[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 2 (Monday, January 17, 1994)]
[Pages 20-21]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on Peacekeeping Operations in 
the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

January 8, 1994

Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)

    Six months ago I provided you with my initial report on the 
deployment of a U.S. peacekeeping contingent as part of the United 
Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) in the former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia. I am now providing this followup report, consistent with the 
War Powers Resolution, to ensure that the Congress is kept informed 
about this important U.S. contribution in support of multilateral 
efforts in the region.
    As a significant part of U.N. efforts to prevent the Balkan conflict 
from spreading and to contribute to stability in the region, the U.N. 
Security Council adopted Resolution 795 (1992) authorizing the presence 
of UNPROFOR for peacekeeping purposes in Macedonia. In early 1993, a 
Nordic battalion was deployed to Macedonia with the mission of 
monitoring and reporting developments along the northern border that 
could signify a threat to the territory of Macedonia. Consistent with 
U.N. Security Council Resolution 842 (1993), the United States augmented 
the UNPROFOR Macedonia peacekeeping force with a combat-equipped U.S. 
Army contingent. The U.N. Security Council extended the UNPROFOR mandate 
in Resolution 871 (1993). Our U.S. Armed Forces personnel have served 
with distinction in Macedonia continuously since their arrival in early 
July 1993.
    The peacekeeping operations in Macedonia have been conducted safely 
and effectively, and I am certain that you share my pride in and 
appreciation for the superb efforts of the Americans who are 
contributing so much to the UNPROFOR Macedonia mission. Unsurprisingly, 
the U.S. Army personnel received high praise from the U.N. Commander, 
Danish Brigadier General Thomsen, for their outstanding professionalism 
and capabilities, which enabled them quickly to assume an integral role 
in the force. Upon receiving orientation and training on the mission at 
UNPROFOR headquarters in Skopje, the U.S. unit began conducting 
observation and monitoring operations along the northeastern section of 
the Macedonian border with Serbia. The U.S. contribution has thus 
enhanced UNPROFOR's coverage and effectiveness in preventing a spillover 
of the conflict, and has underscored the U.S. commitment to the 
achievement of important multilateral goals in the region.
    As always, the safety of U.S. personnel is of paramount concern. 
U.S. forces assigned to UNPROFOR Macedonia have encountered no 
hostilities, and there have been no U.S. casualties since the deployment 
began. The mission has the support of the government and the local 
population. Our forces will remain fully prepared not only to fulfill 
their peacekeeping mission but to defend themselves if necessary.
    On December 14, 1993, elements of the U.S. Army Berlin Brigade's 
reinforced company team (RCT) assigned to UNPROFOR Macedonia began 
redeploying to Germany as part of the normal rotation of U.S. forces. 
Lead elements of a similarly equipped and sized RCT began arriving in 
Macedonia on December 27, 1993. The approximately 300-person replacement 
unit--Task Force 1-6, from 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 3d 
Infantry Division (Mechanized), Vilseck, Germany--assumed the mission on 
January 6, 1994.
    The U.S. contribution to the UNPROFOR Macedonia peacekeeping mission 
is but one part of a much larger, continuing commitment towards 
resolution of the extremely difficult situation in the former 
Yugoslavia. I am not able to indicate at this time how long our 
deployment to Macedonia will be necessary. I have continued the 
deployment of U.S. Armed Forces for these purposes in accordance with 
section 7 of the United Nations Participation Act and pursuant to my 
constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive.

[[Page 21]]

    I am grateful for the continuing support of the Congress for U.S. 
efforts, including the deployment of U.S. Armed Forces to Macedonia, 
towards peace and stability in the former Yugoslavia. I remain committed 
to consulting closely with the Congress on our foreign policy, and I 
look forward to continued cooperation as we move forward toward 
attainment of our goals in the region.
    Sincerely,
                                            William J. Clinton

Note: Identical letters were sent to Thomas S. Foley, Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and Robert C. Byrd, President pro tempore of 
the Senate. This letter was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on January 10.