THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 23, 1995 TAG: 9511230544
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones Jr. said Wednesday that the Clinton administration's plan to deploy U.S. troops to Bosnia would be a dangerous situation, not supported by any legitimate U.S. interest.
Jones' statement came a day after warring factions signed a peace accord in Dayton, Ohio, promising to end war in the Balkans.
``Bosnians and Serbs have signed peace agreements in the past and none of them have held,'' Jones said. ``I am primarily concerned that a deployment to that ravaged region puts our troops in harm's way, without the justification of a clear national interest.''
President Clinton wants U.S. ground troops to be part of a NATO peacekeeping force of about 60,000. Clinton has said he will consult with Congress before deploying a full complement of personnel.
Jones, a Republican who represents North Carolina's 3rd District, said the proposed Bosnian mission puts American troops in the middle of a centuries-old conflict, with no clear exit strategy.
``I am skeptical of peacekeeping missions in general, and this one in particular,'' Jones said.
NATO is expected to authorize the deployment next week. Clinton could order U.S. troops to Bosnia any time after that. by CNB