[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 47 (Monday, November 25, 1996)]
[Page 2423]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Anniversary of the Dayton Accords

November 21, 1996

    One year ago today, American diplomacy under the leadership of 
Secretary of State Warren Christopher and Assistant Secretary of State 
Richard Holbrooke achieved a peace agreement that ended the worst 
conflict in Europe since World War II. Over the past year, American 
soldiers, diplomats, aid workers, volunteers, and public servants have 
worked tirelessly on the challenges of implementing the Dayton accords. 
They have made a world of difference in the lives of the Bosnian people.
    The market massacres, sniper alleys, and grim campaigns of ethnic 
cleansing are over. Since Dayton, we and our international partners have 
maintained a secure peace, separated and demobilized the former warring 
parties, held successful national elections, and started the work of 
rebuilding Bosnia's economy and civil structures. These achievements 
have made an immeasurable difference in the lives of people in Bosnia: 
parents can return to their businesses and careers, children can return 
to schools and playgrounds, farmers can return to fields and markets--
all without fear of an incoming round or a sniper's bullet.
    When the Balkan leaders chose peace one year ago at Dayton, I asked 
the American people to do the same by supporting the participation of 
our troops in a NATO-led Implementation Force to help secure the peace. 
Thanks to NATO's strong capabilities, together with the forces of Russia 
and other members of the Partnership For Peace, IFOR successfully 
completed its mission of implementing the military aspects of Dayton 
without any combat casualties. In short, IFOR exceeded our expectations 
in bringing an end to a war that threatened stability in Europe.
    American leadership remains vital in pursuing our interests and is 
critical to restoring peace and stability in places like Bosnia. That is 
why I have decided in principle that, until political and economic 
efforts can gain greater momentum, a smaller follow-on NATO mission in 
Bosnia is necessary to complete the work that IFOR began. But in the 
end, it still is up to the Bosnian people, with the help of 
international community, to take responsibility for rebuilding their 
country, reconciling with their neighbors, creating a democratic 
national government, and laying the foundation for a self-sustaining 
peace.
    Today, I want to personally thank the many Americans who have worked 
so hard to bring peace to the people of Bosnia.