CLINTON ORDERS AIRDROPS

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, February 26, 1993                   TAG: 9302260081
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Medium
CLINTON ORDERS AIRDROPS
President Clinton Thursday ordered the Pentagon to mount an airdrop of relief supplies into war-fractured Bosnia, saying it would serve important "humanitarian purposes" but acknowledging it would fall short of alleviating the region's misery.
Officials said the flights would begin soon - possibly as early as Sunday - using U.S. cargo planes based in Germany. They will be flying at night - at 10,000 feet to lessen any risk of anti-aircraft fire.
"The war that has raged in Bosnia-Herzegovina over the past year has taken a staggering toll: Thousands have been killed or imprisoned, thousands more are at risk due to hunger and exposure, and over 2 million people have been forced from their homes," Clinton said in a statement issued at the White House.
He said that regular overland deliveries "are the best means to ensure that the long-term needs of the Bosnian population are met," but he maintained the airdrops will provide an important supplement.
The president said the need for food and medicine was greatest in Eastern Bosnia and that the airdrops would be made "without regard to ethnic or religious affiliation."
"These airdrops are being carried out strictly for humanitarian purposes; no combat aircraft will be used in this operation," Clinton said, indicating no fighter escorts would accompany the unarmed transport aircraft.
Clinton's statement made no mention of any other countries joining in the mission, which he said would be coordinated with existing United Nations relief efforts.
But he said later in answer to a question, "We've had several volunteers." He did not elaborate.
Asked why the mission was worth undertaking, he said that in addition to the humanitarian aspect, "we think if we do it we will be able to create a somewhat better climate for negotiations" in the former Yugoslavia.
A senior Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the supply drop was designed to be "of short duration."

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB