Cohen Press Availability with Greek Minister of Defense
Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen
Joint Press Conference with Greek Minister of Defense Akis
Tsohatzopoulos
Thessaloniki, Greece 8 October 2000
Question: I have a question for Secretary Cohen. After the removal of
Mr. Milosevic from power in Belgrade, does Washington continue to
demand that he be arrested and sent to the International War Crimes
Tribunal in The Hague?
Secretary Cohen: Well, we are very pleased with what has taken place
with the democratic process coming into reality as far as Yugoslavia
is concerned. With respect to Milosevic, it's clear that he has lost
all leverage and all power, that the people have spoken and he should
no longer play a role in the political process. Part of a democratic
government and institution is also accountability, and we would expect
Milosevic to be held fully accountable for the alleged crimes that
have been committed and he is an indicted war criminal and we expect
that he will be held accountable. That accountability should take
place in The Hague. Our position has not changed.
Question: Could Yugoslavia have normal relations with the United
States and other Western democracies if the new government does not
act to bring Milosevic to justice? Or are you prepared to let the
government let bygones be bygones? Perhaps the Minister would also
care to answer that question.
Secretary Cohen: I think the first thing that we should is to allow
President Kostunica to solidify democratic reforms in Yugoslavia, to
undertake to strengthen his support, to work for elections quickly,
and to move to solidify his position. Then I think we can see how that
unfolds, but I think it's also clear that an election and a removal
from office through the popular will does not remove the stain of the
abuses in the past. He will still have to be held accountable, and I
believe that that is not a position that is unique to the United
States, but all law-abiding and respecting nations would insist that
he be held fully accountable. But I also would point out that
President Clinton and Secretary Albright have indicated that we are
eager and willing to work with our allies and others to help President
Kostunica to achieve those democratic reforms and to help rebuild the
economy, so reforms can in fact be instituted.
....
Question: You said that it's too early to discuss the reduction of the
number of US troops in the Balkans. But what has to happen before you
do start considering that?
Secretary Cohen: Well as you know, great progress has been made in the
last several years for promoting peace and stability throughout the
Balkans. We have seen the size of the forces reduce substantially in
Bosnia. We have seen multi-ethnic groups now participating
cooperatively in Bosnia. We saw for the first time a multi-ethnic team
under the Bosnian flag in Sydney at the Games recently, so we're
seeing great progress made. We are also encouraged by what is taking
place in Yugoslavia. We are encouraged by what has happened in Kosovo
as far as the return of refugees and the rebuilding of their lives in
Kosovo.
But our security needs, the size and structure of our forces will
always be measured against the security environment. To the extent
that there continues to be progress made in stabilizing the region
with peaceful democratic institutions being created and solidified,
then we can look to ways that we can reduce the size, not only of our
presence, but certainly that of other countries who are participating.
Everyone would like to see a reduction of their commitment, but they
also recognize that commitment must remain firm until such time as we
are all satisfied, acting cooperatively, that the security environment
would permit further reductions, and so we need more time to reach
such an assessment.
....
Secretary Cohen: I would say, in addition, there are two things that
need to be done. Number one is to keep the pressure on Milosevic by
identifying him as an indicted war criminal, and not just simply allow
that status to slip into the past as we celebrate the triumph of
democracy in Yugoslavia. Secondly, as the President has indicated, he
will consult with Congress and consult with key allies, to remove
those economic sanctions that are directed toward the people, have an
impact upon the people and upon the economy of Yugoslavia, while
keeping in place those sanctions that are directed against Milosevic
and his cronies.
And so, it's twofold: number one, to provide relief on those sanctions
that will have a direct impact upon investment and economic prosperity
and rebuilding in Yugoslavia, while keeping on those sanctions
directed against Milosevic personally. Thank you very much
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