ACCESSION NUMBER:00000
FILE ID:96070911.TXT
DATE:07/09/96
TITLE:09-07-96  TEXT:  CLINTON STATEMENT ON BOSNIA TRAIN AND EQUIP PROGRAM

TEXT:
(To create a military balance among the parties)  (630)

Washington -- Supplying U.S. arms to Bosnia is intended to create a
military balance among the parties "so that none of them is encouraged
to resume hostilities," President Clinton says.

The president freed $100 million in arms shipments July 10 following
passage of legislation in Bosnia "leading to integration of Federation
military forces and the creation of western-oriented defense
institutions in Bosnia." The federation refers to the partial union
between Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Bosnia had previously
terminated intelligence cooperation with Iran and had ordered
withdrawal of Islamic forces from Bosnian territory.

"The purpose of this program," Clinton said in a written statement,
"is to assist in providing Bosnia with the ability to defend itself,
and thereby promote security and stability in the region."

White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry told reporters that while
Clinton has certified severance of Bosnia's links with irregular
troops from various parts of the Muslim world, the United States "will
be no less vigilant when monitoring" some of the troops who have
remained in Bosnia in civilian roles; some have married Bosnia
citizens. McCurry described their numbers as a "minimal presence," but
repeated the U.S. intent "to monitor their activities in their
civilian roles."

The official text of Clinton's statement follows:

(begin text)

I am pleased to announce the start of the U.S.-led train and equip
program for the armed forces of the Bosnian Federation. The purpose of
this program is to assist in providing Bosnia with the ability to
defend itself, and thereby promote security and stability in the
region. The program will also help ensure that upon IFOR's departure,
a military balance exists among the former warring parties so that
none of them are encouraged to resume hostilities.

Full commencement of the train-and-equip program was conditioned on
the Bosnian government fully complying with two commitments: first,
the Dayton provision mandating the withdrawal of foreign forces and
terminating its intelligence cooperation with Iran; and, second, the
passage of a new Federation Defense Law leading to the integration of
Federation military forces and the creation of western-oriented
defense institutions in Bosnia. On June 26, I certified that the
Bosnian government had met its commitments with regard to foreign
forces and relations with Iran.

I am very pleased to say that this afternoon, the Bosnian Federation
Parliament adopted a new Defense Law. Bosnian President Izetbegovic
and Federation President Zubak have overcome many significant issues
in order for the Defense Law to become reality. Their leadership
reflects a commitment to a workable Federation government, and this
law is an essential building-block of a functioning Federation. When
implemented, it will strengthen security for all Bosnians and
contribute significantly to a lasting peace in the region.

With the passage of the law, the Bosnian government has made good on
its commitments. Now we can make good on ours: the U.S.-led,
international train and equip program will begin immediately. We
anticipate the program will start in a matter of days in Sarajevo when
the Federation signs a contact with MPRI, a U.S.-based company which
will execute and manage the program within Bosnia, MPRI will conduct
its first training session for senior military leaders in Bosnia
within approximately three to four weeks.

The U.S. drawdown and transfer of approximately $100 million worth of
military equipment to Bosnia will also now begin soon. The drawdown
package includes individual equipment items, tactical communications
assets, small arms and ammunition, main battle tanks, armored
personnel carriers, light anti-tank weapons and utility helicopters.

(end text)
NNNN