    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [July 24, 2001]
    [Pages 907-908]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Balkans
    July 24, 2001

        Last month in Warsaw, I spoke about the importance of building a
    Europe that is whole, free, and at peace. I said that this new Europe
    must include the Balkans. A few years ago, that vision would have seemed
    fanciful. Today as I meet here with our forces at Camp Bondsteel, that
    vision is within our reach.
        Croatia has become a responsible source of regional stability. The
    people of Yugoslavia have chosen democracy over dictatorship and have
    sent their former dictator to The Hague. Albania's recent elections,
    while less than perfect, were still a step forward in its democratic
    development. There are moderate governments in Bosnia-Herzegovina
    willing to work as serious partners with the international community in
    preparing their country for European integration. For the first time in
    history, all the governments of the region are democratic, committed to
    cooperating with each other, and predisposed to joining Europe.
        But difficult challenges remain. Civil institutions are weak and
    vulnerable to corruption. Organized crime is widespread, sometimes
    hiding behind narrow, nationalistic agendas. There is too much
    dependence on foreign assistance and not enough foreign investment. And
    ethnic extremists are still stoking the flames of intolerance and
    inciting violence, hoping to subvert democracy, redraw borders, or
    advance criminal pursuits.
        The greatest challenge today is in Macedonia, where armed insurgents
    threaten peace and stability. Some here in Kosovo are trying to help the
    insurgents. Let me be clear: The United States stands against all who
    use or support violence against democracy and the rule of law. That's
    why American forces in Kosovo are interdicting the flow of arms into
    Macedonia. And that's why I imposed sanctions against individuals and
    organizations assisting the insurgents. The United States, EU, and NATO
    strongly back ongoing efforts to find a political settlement--one that
    addresses the legitimate grievances of the Albanian population while
    protecting Macedonia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, its
    political unity, and its democratic future. I call on all parties to
    maintain the cease-fire. And I call on the elected leaders to work with
    EU envoy Leotard and Ambassador
    Pardew to overcome the remaining differences to
    achieving a settlement that will keep Macedonia at peace and on the road
    to Europe.
        Those here in Kosovo who support the insurgency in Macedonia are
    hurting the interests of ethnic Albanians throughout the region. The
    people of Kosovo should focus on Kosovo. They need to concentrate on
    developing civil institutions that work and a political climate that
    supports and sustains democracy, the rule of law, ethnic tolerance, and
    cooperation with neighbors. November's election will be an important
    step in that direction. We call on all people of Kosovo to participate,
    so that no one is denied the benefits of democracy. As the people and
    countries of the Balkans move closer to Europe, it is only natural that
    Europe assume increasing leadership and responsibility. I welcome the
    European Union's commitment to play a leading role in the stabilization
    and development of the region. I similarly welcome the willingness

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    of our Allies to provide the bulk of the NATO task force poised to
    collect the insurgents' weapons after a peaceful settlement in
    Macedonia. The cooperation of the United States, NATO, and the EU in
    Macedonia is a model that we can build upon in the future.
        More than 30 countries--NATO Allies, NATO partners, and other
    friends--are, together with America, providing forces here in Kosovo. We
    understand that America's contribution is essential, both militarily and
    politically. We will not draw down our forces in Bosnia or Kosovo
    precipitously or unilaterally. We came in together, and we will go out
    together. But our goal is to hasten the day when peace is self-
    sustaining, when local, democratically elected authorities can assume
    full responsibility, and when NATO's forces can go home. This means that
    we must reorganize and reenergize our efforts to build civil
    institutions and promote rule of law. It also means that we must step up
    our efforts to transfer responsibilities for public security from combat
    forces to specialized units, international police, and ultimately local
    authorities. NATO's commitment to the peace of this region is enduring,
    but the stationing of our forces here should not be indefinite.
        The American soldiers here at Camp Bondsteel--and at bases and on
    patrol elsewhere in Kosovo and in Bosnia--symbolize America's commitment
    to building the better, broader, more peaceful Europe that is within our
    grasp. We are very proud of our soldiers and of the American diplomats
    and civil police who work alongside them. Together with our Allies and
    friends and the people of the Balkans, we are confident that we will
    reach this common goal.