Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 8, 1993 TAG: 9305080080
SECTION: NATL/INTL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Knight-Ridder/Tribune
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
"There's been a lot of agreement on what should be done," Clinton said at a news conference.
"There is still some disagreement around the edges about what the overall specific tactical steps should be," Clinton conceded, "but I think there is a lot more agreement than you think. And I think in the next few days, you'll see a common approach emerging."
The president also promised that if he chooses to use U.S. air power in Bosnia, it would be carefully limited.
"I would have a very specific, clearly defined strategy to pursue and very clear tactical objectives for the use of that air power, which would have a beginning, a middle and an end," he said. U.S. military advisers have assured him such a strategy could work, Clinton said.
The president also said he would ask the American people and Congress to approve before he orders any air strikes. He has made clear previously that he won't order any military action in Bosnia without help from European allies.
A USA Today-CNN-Gallup poll Friday showed that 55 percent of Americans surveyed said they oppose U.S. air strikes against the Serbs. The poll also found 84 percent believe Clinton should seek congressional approval before ordering such action.
The president confirmed for the first time that he is urging the Europeans to help lift the U.N. embargo on arms shipments to Bosnia so outgunned Muslims can defend themselves against Serb attacks. "I think we've got to keep the heat on," Clinton said.
His comments suggesting imminent allied unity contradicted reports from Europe all week, which indicated governments there are reluctant to heed Clinton's call for joint military action.
The Houston Chronicle contributed some information to this report.
by CNB