[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 30 (Monday, July 30, 2001)]
[Pages 1097-1098]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Balkans

July 24, 2001

    Last month in Warsaw, I spoke about the importance of building a 
Europe that is whole, free, and at peace. I said that this new Europe 
must include the Balkans. A few years ago, that vision would have seemed 
fanciful. Today as I meet here with our forces at Camp Bondsteel, that 
vision is within our reach.
    Croatia has become a responsible source of regional stability. The 
people of Yugoslavia have chosen democracy over dictatorship and have 
sent their former dictator to The Hague. Albania's recent elections, 
while less than perfect, were still a step forward in its democratic 
development. There are moderate governments in Bosnia-Herzegovina 
willing to work as serious partners with the international community in 
preparing their country for European integration. For the first time in 
history, all the governments of the region are democratic, committed to 
cooperating with each other, and predisposed to joining Europe.
    But difficult challenges remain. Civil institutions are weak and 
vulnerable to corruption. Organized crime is widespread, sometimes 
hiding behind narrow, nationalistic agendas. There is too much 
dependence on foreign assistance and not enough foreign investment. And 
ethnic extremists are still stoking the flames of intolerance and 
inciting violence, hoping to subvert democracy, redraw borders, or 
advance criminal pursuits.
    The greatest challenge today is in Macedonia, where armed insurgents 
threaten peace and stability. Some here in Kosovo are trying to help the 
insurgents. Let me be clear: The United States stands against all who 
use or support violence against democracy and the rule of law. That's 
why American forces in Kosovo are interdicting the flow of arms into 
Macedonia. And that's why I imposed sanctions against individuals and 
organizations assisting the insurgents. The United States, EU, and NATO 
strongly back ongoing efforts to find a political settlement--one that 
addresses the legitimate grievances of the Albanian population while 
protecting Macedonia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, its 
political unity, and its democratic future. I call on all parties to 
maintain the cease-fire. And I call on the elected leaders to work with 
EU envoy Leotard and Ambassador Pardew to overcome the remaining 
differences to achieving a settlement that will keep Macedonia at peace 
and on the road to Europe.
    Those here in Kosovo who support the insurgency in Macedonia are 
hurting the interests of ethnic Albanians throughout the region. The 
people of Kosovo should focus on Kosovo. They need to concentrate on 
developing civil institutions that work and a political climate that 
supports and sustains democracy, the rule of law, ethnic tolerance, and 
cooperation with neighbors. November's election will be an important 
step in that direction. We call on all people of Kosovo to participate, 
so that no one is denied the benefits of democracy. As the people and 
countries of the Balkans move closer to Europe,

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it is only natural that Europe assume increasing leadership and 
responsibility. I welcome the European Union's commitment to play a 
leading role in the stabilization and development of the region. I 
similarly welcome the willingness of our Allies to provide the bulk of 
the NATO task force poised to collect the insurgents' weapons after a 
peaceful settlement in Macedonia. The cooperation of the United States, 
NATO, and the EU in Macedonia is a model that we can build upon in the 
future.
      
    More than 30 countries--NATO Allies, NATO partners, and other 
friends--are, together with America, providing forces here in Kosovo. We 
understand that America's contribution is essential, both militarily and 
politically. We will not draw down our forces in Bosnia or Kosovo 
precipitously or unilaterally. We came in together, and we will go out 
together. But our goal is to hasten the day when peace is self-
sustaining, when local, democratically elected authorities can assume 
full responsibility, and when NATO's forces can go home. This means that 
we must reorganize and reenergize our efforts to build civil 
institutions and promote rule of law. It also means that we must step up 
our efforts to transfer responsibilities for public security from combat 
forces to specialized units, international police, and ultimately local 
authorities. NATO's commitment to the peace of this region is enduring, 
but the stationing of our forces here should not be indefinite.
      
    The American soldiers here at Camp Bondsteel--and at bases and on 
patrol elsewhere in Kosovo and in Bosnia--symbolize America's commitment 
to building the better, broader, more peaceful Europe that is within our 
grasp. We are very proud of our soldiers and of the American diplomats 
and civil police who work alongside them. Together with our Allies and 
friends and the people of the Balkans, we are confident that we will 
reach this common goal.