A Lasting Peace in Bosnia: Pres. Bill Clinton's Thanksgiving Address

As Pres. Bill Clinton celebrated Thanksgiving, he reflected on America's leadership in bringing peace to Bosnia-Herzegovina after four years of terrible conflict. Clinton highlighted the US role in brokering a cease-fire, negotiating a comprehensive peace agreement, and securing a commitment to peace from all parties involved. He emphasized the importance of America's leadership in preserving Bosnia as a single state, settling territorial disputes, and providing international recognition.

Key Takeaways:

• The US has played a crucial role in facilitating a peaceful end to the conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina, with Pres. Clinton's administration working tirelessly to broker a cease-fire and negotiate a comprehensive peace agreement.
• The peace agreement preserves Bosnia as a single state within its present borders, settles territorial disputes, and provides international recognition, paving the way for refugees to return to their homes and people to move freely throughout the country.
• The agreement also includes strong safeguards for human rights, with the parties pledging to cooperate fully with the international war crimes tribunal to bring those responsible for crimes against humanity to justice.
• Pres. Clinton has committed to America's participation in a strong international force, led by NATO, to give the parties confidence and breathing room to implement the peace agreement and rebuild.
• Approximately 20,000 US troops will be deployed, with two-thirds of the force coming from other NATO allies, to ensure the peace agreement is enforced and to maintain stability in the region.
• The President has asked Congress to review the NATO implementation plan and expects to discuss the peace agreement and NATO mission further in a national address on Monday.

Statistics:

• 4 years of conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina have resulted in 250,000 deaths and 2 million people displaced, with over 1 million still homeless.
• America's negotiating team, backed by NATO's resolve and air power, brokered a cease-fire and facilitated the peace negotiations.
• The Comprehensive Peace Agreement was reached after the skill and dedication of American negotiators, working with European and Russian partners, enabled the parties to agree on principles and reach a settlement.
• 20,000 US troops are expected to be deployed as part of the international force, with two-thirds coming from other NATO allies.
• The peace agreement preserves Bosnia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, settling disputes and providing international recognition to ensure a lasting peace.

Sources:

• "Pres. Bill Clinton's Address, November 25, 1995". *Presidential Records*.