Clinton Administration Rebukes UN Mediator Over Criticism of U.S. Peacekeeping Refusal

A high-ranking U.S. official has publicly chastised UN mediator Yasushi Akashi for criticizing America's reluctance to send troops to Bosnia, warning that such remarks will hinder efforts to secure Congressional approval for peacekeeping operations. The rebuke, issued by U.S. Ambassador to the UN Madeleine Albright, follows Akashi's criticism of the U.S. stance, which he characterized as "timid and tentative" after the Somalia incident.

Key Takeaways:

• The Clinton Administration officially rebuked UN mediator Yasushi Akashi for criticizing the U.S. refusal to send peacekeeping troops to Bosnia, with Ambassador Madeleine Albright calling his remarks "totally counterproductive."
• The Administration warned that Akashi's comments would make it harder to win Congressional support for peacekeeping operations.
• Albright emphasized that civil servants should "remember where their salaries are paid" and not criticize member states.
• The U.S. has spent $500 million on relief aid for the former Yugoslavia and $350 million towards the cost of the peacekeeping force, while owing the UN over $1 billion in unpaid regular budget and peacekeeping dues.
• The Security Council is expected to agree to 6,500 more peacekeepers for Bosnia, with the U.S. required to find a further $120 million to cover its share of the enlarged peacekeeping operation.
• U.S. officials reported that there are likely five to six tanks and artillery pieces still in the Gorazde area, but warned that they may not have discovered all remaining weaponry.

Statistics:

• $500 million: U.S. contribution to relief aid for the former Yugoslavia.
• $350 million: U.S. payment towards the cost of the peacekeeping force.
• $1 billion: Amount owed by the U.S. to the UN in unpaid regular budget and peacekeeping dues.
• 30,000: Number of peacekeepers already deployed to Bosnia.
• 6,500: Additional peacekeepers to be deployed to Bosnia, pending Security Council approval.
• $120 million: U.S. contribution required to cover its share of the enlarged peacekeeping operation.

Sources:

• Report from Zagreb, cited in the original text.
• Private remarks by Ambassador Madeleine Albright to a closed-door Security Council meeting, as quoted in the original text.
• Statement by Yasushi Akashi, as quoted in the original text.
• U.S. official, cited in the original text, speaking about reconnaissance efforts in Gorazde.