[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 8 (Monday, March 1, 1993)]
[Page 318]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement Announcing Airdrops Providing Humanitarian Aid to Bosnia-
Herzegovina

 February 25, 1993

    The war that has raged in Bosnia-Herzegovina over the past year has 
taken a staggering toll: Thousands have been killed or imprisoned, 
thousands more are at risk due to hunger and exposure, and over 2 
million people have been forced from their homes. The humanitarian need 
is particularly great in eastern Bosnia, where areas have been denied 
basic food and medicines.

    In view of the emergency humanitarian need, I am announcing today 
that in coordination with the United Nations and UNHCR, the United 
States will conduct humanitarian airdrops over Bosnia. The airdrops are 
an extension of the airlift currently underway into Sarajevo. Their 
purpose is to supplement land convoys. This is a temporary measure 
designed to address the immediate needs of isolated areas that cannot be 
reached at this time by ground. Regular overland deliveries are the best 
means to ensure that the long-term needs of the Bosnian population are 
met, and the United States calls on the parties to guarantee the safe 
passage of the humanitarian convoys throughout Bosnia.

    The priority for air deliveries will be determined without regard to 
ethnic or religious affiliation. These airdrops are being carried out 
strictly for humanitarian purposes; no combat aircraft will be used in 
this operation. The Department of Defense will be working with the UNHCR 
to determine the timing and locations for the airdrops.

    I am grateful for the considerable international support given to 
this initiative.