    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [May 14, 2003]
    [Pages 487-488]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Deployment of United
    States Military Personnel as Part of the Kosovo International Security
    Force
    May 14, 2003

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        In my report to the Congress of November 15, 2002, 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 prepared by my Administration, 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 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 an international
    security presence in order to deter renewed hostilities; verify and, if
    necessary, enforce the terms of the Military Technical Agreement between
    NATO and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia; enforce the terms of the
    Undertaking on Demilitarization and Transformation of the former Kosovo
    Liberation Army; 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).

    [[Page 488]]

        Currently, the U.S. contribution to KFOR in Kosovo is about 2,250
    U.S. military personnel, or approximately 9 percent of KFOR's total
    strength. Additionally, U.S. military personnel occasionally operate
    from Macedonia, Albania, and Greece in support of KFOR operations.
    Nineteen non-NATO contributing countries also participate with NATO
    forces in providing military personnel and other support personnel to
    KFOR.
        The U.S. forces are assigned to a sector principally centered around
    Gnjilane in the eastern region of Kosovo. For U.S. KFOR forces, as for
    KFOR generally, maintaining a safe and secure environment remains the
    primary military task. The KFOR forces operate under NATO command and
    control and rules of engagement. The KFOR coordinates with and supports
    UNMIK at most levels, provides a security presence in towns, villages,
    and the countryside, and organizes checkpoints and patrols in key areas
    to provide security, protect minorities, resolve disputes, and help
    instill in the community a feeling of confidence.
        The UNMIK continues to transfer non-reserved competencies under the
    Constitutional Framework document to the Kosovar Provisional
    Institutions of Self-Government (PISG). The PISG includes the President,
    Prime Minister, and Kosovo Assembly, and has been in place since March
    2002. Municipal elections were successfully held for a second time in
    October 2002.
        NATO continues formally to review KFOR's mission at 6-month
    intervals. These reviews provide a basis for assessing current force
    levels, future requirements, force structure, force reductions, and the
    eventual withdrawal of KFOR. NATO has adopted the Joint Operations Area
    plan to regionalize and rationalize its force structure in the Balkans.
    The KFOR has transferred full responsibility for public safety and
    policing to the UNMIK international and local police forces throughout
    Kosovo except in the area of Mitrovica, where the responsibility is
    shared due to security concerns. The UNMIK international police and
    local police forces have also begun to assume responsibility for
    guarding patrimonial sites and established border-crossing checkpoints.
        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 Ted Stevens, President pro tempore of the
    Senate.