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Milosevic, Slobodan

NATO Warns of No Respite in Bombing Campaign as Three American Soldiers Are Released

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

American soldiers Christopher Stone, Andrew Ramirez, and Steven Gonzales were released by Serbian forces yesterday, but the incident has not led to a halt in the NATO bombing campaign against Yugoslavia. The three soldiers returned to Germany after being handed over to US civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson in Belgrade. Despite an appeal from Mr Jackson for a temporary suspension of the bombing, both Washington and London made it clear that the military campaign would continue until President Slobodan Milosevic meets NATO's demands.

Key Takeaways:

  • The release of the three American soldiers has not led to a halt in the NATO bombing campaign against Yugoslavia.
  • US President Bill Clinton expressed his gratitude to Rev Jesse Jackson but made clear that President Milosevic must comply fully with NATO's demands before the bombing will stop.
  • NATO's demands include the withdrawal of Serbian forces from Kosovo and the acceptance of an international peacekeeping force.
  • Over one million Kosovars are unable to return to their homes due to the policies of the Serbian regime in Belgrade.
  • Defence Secretary George Robertson stated that there are no prospects of immediate talks and that the demands made by the international community are non-negotiable.
  • NATO secretary Jamie Shea emphasized that the Alliance is stepping up the pace of attacks and that President Milosevic's release of the three soldiers is not enough.

Statistics:

  • 1,000,000 Kosovars are unable to return to their homes due to the policies of the Serbian regime in Belgrade.
  • 40,000 Serbian troops remain in Kosovo despite NATO's demands for their withdrawal.
  • 3 US soldiers were released by Serbian forces and returned to Germany.
  • 1 hour was reportedly the time it took for President Milosevic to order the release of the three US servicemen.

Sources:

  • "NATO Warns Slobodan Milosevic There Will Be No Let-up in The Bombing Campaign." BBC News, 17 Apr 1999.
  • "US President Welcomes Release of American Servicemen." Reuters, 17 Apr 1999.
  • "President Clinton Calls on Yugoslav President to Meet NATO's Demand." CNN, 17 Apr 1999.

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