[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 21 (Monday, May 31, 1999)]
[Pages 987-988]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement Announcing Plans 
To Deploy the Kosovo International Security Force (KFOR)

May 25, 1999

    I believe that our air campaign in Kosovo is working and will 
ultimately succeed in its objective of returning the people of Kosovo to 
their homes with security and self-government. With that in mind, we are 
planning with our Allies for success. Today NATO endorsed an updated 
plan for implementing the peace in Kosovo when its conditions are met.
    The force that NATO plans to deploy--KFOR--will deter renewed 
hostilities and

[[Page 988]]

provide the security and confidence the refugees need to return and get 
on with their lives. To be credible and effective, KFOR will have NATO 
at the core.
    Given the new circumstances, including the enormous humanitarian 
crisis caused by Mr. Milosevic, KFOR will need to be larger than we 
originally foresaw. We expect the American contribution to increase 
proportionately but our European Allies will still provide the vast bulk 
of the force. We also hope that Russia and other non-NATO countries will 
participate.
    The headquarters and leading elements of KFOR are already in the 
region, where they are helping to relieve the refugee crisis. NATO's 
military authorities will now work with allied countries to determine 
what additional forces will be required so that the Alliance is ready 
when the time comes for the refugees to return. Make no mistake, that 
time will come, in accordance with the conditions we have repeatedly 
laid out.

Note: In his statement, the President referred to President Slobodan 
Milosevic of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro).