    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [November 18, 2001]
    [Pages 1420-1421]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1420]]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Deployment of United
    States Military Personnel as Part of the Kosovo International Security
    Force
    November 18, 2001

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        In my report to the Congress of May 18, 2001, I provided information
    regarding the continued deployment of combat-equipped U.S. military
    personnel as the U.S. contribution to the NATO-led international
    security force in Kosovo (KFOR) and to other countries in the region in
    support of that force. I am providing this supplemental report,
    consistent with the War Powers Resolution, to help ensure that Congress
    is kept fully informed on continued U.S. contributions in support of
    peacekeeping efforts in Kosovo.
        As noted in previous reports, the U.N. Security Council authorized
    member states to establish KFOR in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1244
    of June 10, 1999. The mission of KFOR is to provide a military presence
    in order to deter renewed hostilities; verify and, if necessary, enforce
    the terms of the Military Technical Agreement (MTA) between NATO and the
    Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY); enforce the terms of the
    Undertaking on Demilitarization and Transformation of the former Kosovo
    Liberation Army (KLA); provide day-to-day operational direction to the
    Kosovo Protection Corps; and maintain a safe and secure environment to
    facilitate the work of the U.N. Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo
    (UNMIK).
        Currently, the U.S. contribution to KFOR in Kosovo is approximately
    5,500 U.S. military personnel. An additional 500 U.S. military personnel
    are deployed as the National Support Element in Macedonia, with an
    occasional presence in Albania and Greece. In the last 6 months, all 19
    NATO nations and 19 others, including Russia, have provided military
    personnel and other support personnel to KFOR in Kosovo and other
    countries in the region.
        In Kosovo, the U.S. forces are assigned to a sector principally
    centered upon Gnjilane in the eastern portion of Kosovo. For U.S. KFOR
    forces, as for KFOR generally, maintaining a safe and secure environment
    remains the primary military task. United States forces conduct security
    patrols in urban areas and in the countryside throughout their sector.
    Approximately 79 percent of KFOR soldiers are dedicated to patrolling,
    manning checkpoints, and mounting border and boundary patrols. The KFOR
    forces operate under NATO command and control and rules of engagement.
        The UNMIK continues to make progress in establishing the necessary
    structures for provisional democratic self-government in Kosovo,
    including through adoption of the Constitutional Framework for
    Provisional Self-Government, and preparations for Kosovo-wide elections
    scheduled to occur on November 17, 2001. The KFOR coordinates with and
    supports UNMIK at most levels, and is represented at the Joint
    Implementation Commission. Also, KFOR support includes providing a
    security presence in towns, villages, and the countryside, and
    organizing checkpoints and patrols in key areas of Kosovo to provide
    security, protect minorities, resolve disputes, and help instill in the
    community a feeling of confidence. Finally, KFOR is supporting, within
    its means and capabilities, the provision of humanitarian relief, public
    safety and order, and the maintenance of essential civic works
    resources.
        NATO continues formally to review KFOR's mission at 6-month
    intervals. The most recent 6-month review will be completed this month,
    and presented to the

    [[Page 1421]]

    North Atlantic Council in December 2001. These reviews provide a basis
    for assessing current force levels, future requirements, force
    structure, force reductions, and the eventual withdrawal of KFOR. The
    KFOR has transferred full responsibility for its public safety and
    policing responsibilities to the UNMIK international and local police
    forces in every area except Kosovska Mitrovica, where the responsibility
    is shared due to security concerns.
        The continued deployment of U.S. forces has been undertaken pursuant
    to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as
    Commander in Chief and Chief Executive. I appreciate the continued
    support of the Congress in these actions.
             Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush

    Note: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the
    House of Representatives, and Robert C. Byrd, President pro tempore of
    the Senate.