U.S. delegation gets firsthand look at preparations for peace

Susan Molinari December 3, 1995
Web posted at: 9:20 p.m. EST (0220 GMT)

From Correspondent Mike Hanna

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (CNN) -- A delegation from the U.S. Congress arrived in Sarajevo Sunday, with a primary aim of attaining reassurances about the security of U.S. troops dispatched to the war-torn Balkans.

Shortly before their arrival, there was new cause for concern -- Bosnian Serb military leader Ratko Mladic appeared in public for the first time since the initialing of the Balkan peace accord. The general made clear that he will vigorously oppose moves to create a united Sarajevo under the control of the Bosnian government.

"We cannot allow our people to come under the rule of butchers ... A new and just solution must be found."

-- Bosnian Serb military leader Ratko Mladic

It is a harsh introduction to the realities of Balkan politics. As an indicted war criminal, Mladic was excluded from the Dayton negotiations. His outburst highlighted what is a major problem for the Americans.

I'm not sure that we've made those direct lines of communication, accountability, and what I believe are necessary threats in order to ensure that the people that some call renegades do have a direct line of accountability to those who signed the Dayton peace accord," said Rep. Susan Molinari, R-New York. (191K AIFF sound or 191K WAV sound)

Levin And Rep. Sander Levin, D-Michigan, added that more safeguards must be in place to protect U.S. troops.

"It has to be made clear one way or another that they are violating the agreement, and the agreement prevails, not them," he said. (127K AIFF sound or 127K WAV sound)

In this, the U.S. delegation found common ground with leaders of the Bosnian government. President Alija Izebegovitch was adamant that despite ongoing unhappiness with some provision, the agreement had the full support of the Muslim-Croat Federation.

Similar sentiments are heard throughout the Bosnian section of Sarajevo. Most appear to agree that the Dayton peace accord may be unjust, it may be unfair, but it's better than any alternative.

In Sarajevo, some are beginning to plan for peace, and there is no confusion about the message they have for the U.S. and international community.

After nearly four years of siege, even a flawed settlement is preferable to war.

Clinton sends first troops to Bosnia - December 3

U.S. delegation gets firsthand look at preparations for peace

"We cannot allow our people to come under the rule of butchers ... A new and just solution must be found."

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