    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 31 (Monday, August 9, 1993)]
    [Page 1526]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Exchange With Reporters Prior to a Meeting With the Progressive Caucus

     August 2, 1993

    Bosnia

        Q. Mr. President, could you clarify U.S. policy towards Bosnia? Is
    the U.S. prepared to unilaterally use military force to break the siege
    of Sarajevo and get humanitarian supplies in? Or will it work only in
    conjunction with the NATO allies?
        The President.  Well, let me say, I think the stories this morning
    perhaps exaggerate our position a bit. Our position is we are working
    with the allies. We're going to try to work through to a common
    position. We believe we will be able to work through to a common
    position. And I don't think it serves much of a purpose to speculate
    what might otherwise happen.
        I don't believe that the allies will permit Sarajevo to either fall
    or to starve. I just don't believe that will happen. So I think we'll
    have a common position. There are some concerns; there always have been
    by those who have forces on the ground there, particularly those in the
    exposed positions. And I think we'll work it through, and I want the
    talks to continue. My goal has always been to work with them and to
    proceed together, and I think we'll be able to do that.
        Q.  Are you concerned about the reports that the talks may be
    delayed because the Bosnians expect you to come in on their side
    militarily?
        The President. No, I don't think that will happen. Let me say this:
    I think peace has been delayed by the reverse perception that because
    the allies have not done anything to try to stabilize the position. The
    situation has until very recently gotten much worse since they were all
    in Athens talking--because the allies did nothing. Now, I think it's
    getting a little better again because, in part, because we're talking
    about what ought to be done for humanitarian reasons and to protect our
    own forces there, the U.N. forces.
        So I'm very hopeful. I think they've made real progress in the peace
    talks, and I'm hopeful that will go on. I don't think the Bosnian
    Government will pull back.

    Economic Program

        Q.  Are you going to win?
        The President.  America is going to win. Not me, it's not about me;
    it's about the country.

    Note: The exchange began at 10:14 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of
    this exchange.