

  
			   THE WHITE HOUSE
  
		    Office of the Press Secretary
  
  ________________________________________________________________
   For Immediate Release                             April 13, 1994
  
  
  
			TEXT OF A LETTER FROM
		   THE PRESIDENT TO THE SPEAKER OF
		  THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND
	       THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE
  
  
  
			   April 12, 1994
  
  
  
  Dear Mr. Speaker:     (Dear Mr. President:)
  
  One year ago, I provided you with my initial report on the 
  deployment of U.S. combat-equipped aircraft to support the North 
  Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) enforcement of the no-fly 
  zone in Bosnia-Herzegovina.  I provided you with follow-on 
  reports on October 13, 1993, February 17, 1994, and March 1, 
  1994.  I am reporting today on the use of U.S. combat-equipped 
  aircraft on April 10-11 to provide protection for U.N. personnel 
  who came under attack in Gorazde, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
  
  Since the adoption of United Nations Security Council 
  Resolution 713 on September 25, 1991, the United Nations 
  has actively sought solutions to the conflict in the former 
  Yugoslavia.  Under Security Council Resolution 824 (May 6, 
  1993), certain parts of Bosnia-Herzegovina have been established 
  as "safe areas."  Gorazde is specifically included as a location 
  that should be treated as a safe area "by all the parties con-
  cerned and should be free from armed attacks and from any other 
  hostile acts."  In addition, Security Council Resolutions 836 
  and 844 (June 4 and 18, 1993) authorize Member States, acting 
  nationally or through regional organizations, to use air power 
  in the safe areas to help protect the United Nations Protection 
  Forces (UNPROFOR).
  
  Recent heavy weapons (tank and artillery) fire in the Gorazde 
  area has resulted in a serious threat to the citizens remaining 
  in Gorazde and to UNPROFOR and U.N. High Commissioner for 
  Refugees (UNHCR) personnel operating there.  On April 10, the 
  city was subjected to sustained Bosnian-Serb tank and artillery 
  fire.  The UNPROFOR and UNHCR personnel in Gorazde were placed 
  in great danger.  Based on the threat to UNPROFOR, as reported 
  by U.N. observers in the city, the UNPROFOR commander requested 
  the U.N. Special Representative for Bosnia-Herzegovina to 
  authorize close air support (CAS) strikes on the Bosnian-Serb 
  firing positions.  The U.N. Special Representative approved the 
  request.  Consistent with approved procedures and rules of 
  engagement, two U.S. aircraft from NATO Allied Force Southern 
  Europe (AFSOUTH) engaged Bosnian-Serb targets after receiving 
  targeting orders from the Commander in Chief, AFSOUTH.
  
  On April 11, 1994, U.N. personnel in Gorazde requested NATO air 
  support after again coming under attack by Bosnian-Serb gunners.  
  United States F/A-18 aircraft from AFSOUTH were successful in 
  neutralizing Bosnian-Serb targets that had been firing on the 
  city.
  
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  There were no NATO or U.N. casualties as a result of the 
  operations on April 10 and 11, 1994.
  
  It is my hope that the clear resolve of the United Nations and 
  NATO as shown by these actions will encourage the parties to the 
  conflict in the former Yugoslavia to respect the decisions of 
  the Security Council concerning the protection of U.N. personnel 
  and of the declared safe areas.  United States forces will 
  continue to serve as part of this important NATO enforcement 
  effort and will remain prepared to respond to U.N. and NATO 
  requests for further action against those who violate these 
  decisions.
  
  These actions are being taken in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 
  conjunction with our allies to implement the decision of the 
  Security Council and the North Atlantic Council and to assist 
  the parties to reach a negotiated settlement to the conflict.  
  It is not now possible to determine the duration of this 
  operation.  I have directed the participation of U.S. Armed 
  Forces in this effort pursuant to my constitutional authority 
  to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief.
  
  I am providing this report as part of my effort to keep 
  the Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers 
  Resolution.  I remain grateful for the continuing support 
  the Congress has provided and I look forward to continued 
  cooperation with you in this endeavor.  I shall communicate 
  with you further regarding our efforts for peace and stability 
  in the former Yugoslavia.
  
			       Sincerely,
  
  
  
			       WILLIAM J. CLINTON
  
  
  
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