Clinton Administration Warns Milosevic of NATO Strikes Within Two Weeks

Strategic Insights -

The Clinton administration issued a stern warning to Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic on Friday, stating that NATO will strike Serbian forces in Kosovo within two weeks unless he meets all U.N. demands to halt the assault on ethnic Albanians. The warning comes as the alliance moves closer to intervention, with President Clinton emphasizing the need for a strong response to stop the violence and negotiate a settlement. Defense Secretary William Cohen also emphasized that Milosevic must meet the conditions outlined in a U.N. resolution, including a cease-fire, withdrawal of Serbian forces, and negotiations with ethnic Albanians.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Clinton administration has warned Slobodan Milosevic that NATO will strike Serbian forces in Kosovo within two weeks if he fails to meet U.N. demands.
  • The U.N. resolution demands that Milosevic halt the assault on ethnic Albanians, allow humanitarian groups into Kosovo, and allow 275,000 refugees to return to their home villages.
  • Defense Secretary William Cohen stated that Milosevic must meet the entire set of demands outlined in the U.N. resolution, otherwise he will face the use of force.
  • President Clinton emphasized the need for a strong response to stop the violence and negotiate a settlement.
  • The U.N. Security Council will receive a report on Monday from Secretary-General Kofi Annan on whether Milosevic has complied with the demands.
  • The use of force is dependent on whether the United Nations authorizes it in another resolution, according to U.S. officials.

Statistics:

  • 275,000: The number of refugees who must be allowed to return to their home villages in Kosovo.
  • 2 weeks: The timeframe within which NATO will strike Serbian forces in Kosovo if Milosevic fails to meet U.N. demands.
  • 70: The number of members of the House who heard a closed meeting with Defense Secretary William Cohen.

Sources:

Associated Press, "Clinton Warns Milosevic of NATO Strikes Within Two Weeks"