    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [January 21, 2003]
    [Pages 71-72]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on Continued Operations of
    United States Forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina
    January 21, 2003

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        In my report to the Congress of July 22, 2002, I provided
    information on the deployment of combat-equipped U.S. Armed Forces to
    Bosnia and Herzegovina and other states in the region in order to
    participate in and support the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
    (NATO)-led Stabilization Force (SFOR). The SFOR began its mission and
    assumed authority from the NATO-led Implementation Force on December 20,
    1996. I am providing this supplemental report, prepared by my
    Administration and consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law
    93-148), to help ensure that the Congress is kept fully informed on
    continued U.S. contributions in support of peacekeeping efforts in the
    former Yugoslavia.
        The U.N. Security Council authorized Member States to continue SFOR
    for a period of 12 months in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1423 of
    July 12, 2002. The mission of SFOR is to provide a focused military
    presence in order to deter hostilities, stabilize and consolidate the

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    peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, contribute to a secure environment, and
    provide, within its means and capabilities, selective support to key
    areas and key civil implementation organizations.
        The U.S. force contribution to SFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina is
    approximately 1,800 personnel. United States personnel comprise
    approximately 15 percent of the total SFOR force of approximately 12,000
    personnel. During the second half of 2002, 18 NATO nations and 17
    others, including Russia, provided military personnel or other support
    to SFOR. Most U.S. forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina are assigned to
    Multinational Brigade, North, headquartered in the city of Tuzla.
    Additionally, U.S. military personnel are deployed to other countries in
    the region in support of SFOR. These deployments include approximately
    80 U.S. military personnel deployed to Hungary and Croatia to provide
    logistical and other support. The U.S. forces continue to support SFOR
    efforts to apprehend persons indicted for war crimes and to conduct
    counter-terrorism operations. In the last 6 months, U.S. forces have not
    sustained any combat-related fatalities.
        I have directed the participation of U.S. Armed Forces in these
    operations pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S.
    foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive.
        I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the
    Congress fully informed about developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina and
    other states in the region. I will continue to consult closely with the
    Congress regarding our efforts to foster peace and stability in the
    former Yugoslavia.
             Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush

    Note: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the
    House of Representatives, and Ted Stevens, President pro tempore of the
    Senate. This letter was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    January 22.