Secretary of State Madeleine Albright Says Ground Troops in Kosovo are Likely
Institute Press Release.
Washington -- Secretary of State Madeleine Albright told a gathering of Balkans experts at the U.S. Institute of Peace that a NATO-led peace implementation force in Kosovo is likely. (full text)
"Nothing less than strong engagement from NATO will focus the attention of both sides. And nothing less than firm American leadership will ensure decisive action," said Albright.
Representatives from Belgrade and leaders of the Kosovar Albanians are expected to enter negotiations this Saturday, February 6 in Rambouillet, France. They will consider an agreement put forth by the Contact Group that details a plan to end the fighting in Kosovo. Part of the plan involves possible American presence in the NATO peace implementation force. Troops would remain in the region for three years.
"The talks in Rambouillet are significant, but only a first step. Peace and stability in the region can follow an agreement, but a NATO presence may be required to ensure compliance," said Harriet Hentges, Executive Vice President and leader of the Balkans Initiative at the U.S. Institute of Peace.
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Secretary of State Madeleine Albright with USIP President Richard Solomon |
Secretary of State Albright was at the U.S. Institute of Peace to address the Balkans Working Group. The Balkans Working Group is composed of representatives from government agencies, think tanks, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) who are experts on Balkan matters. Chaired by John Menzies, former U.S. ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina and USIP Senior Fellow, the group meets to discuss threats to and support for Balkan stability and implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords. The objective is not to reach consensus within the group but to explore issues and options. |
For information on USIP publications on Balkan issues, including democratic developments in Serbia and Croatia and the crisis in Kosovo, please e-mail the Institute , or call 202.429.3828.
The United States Institute of Peace is an independent institution created and funded by Congress to promote research, education, and training on the peaceful resolution of international conflicts.
