IFOR AFSOUTH TRANSCRIPT Nov 7, 1996

In the interest of speed transcripts of IFOR press briefings are issued in unedited format Transcript of the Press Briefing held on 7 November 1996

C. Murphy: ... The next meeting of presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina takes place at 1 o'clock in the National Museum in Sarajevo. Discussions will continue on the formation of the Council of Ministers as well as on planning for the upcoming Paris and London meetings. As you know, the Paris and London meetings will be very important for the future of the peace process. This is a time for concentration on the new common institutions. They are the best guarantee we believe for the taking of a further giant step away from the past war, and each entity of Bosnia-Herzegovina can find in the common institutions the means of building and solidifying peace and economic growth for its peoples. Alex. A. Ivanko: a few points from the UN with regard to the incident reported yesterday in the area around Kluj. We sent a patrol there. On arrival, they discovered that two houses have been burned and a number of haystacks in that area. That's all. After that, we visited the Kluj police station and talked with the officers who told us that the reason their car was in the vicinity of the village was because they saw fire and smoke coming from that area and they went to investigate. On a different matter, in West Mostar, we are still being refused by the West Mostar police ... They're refusing to conduct joint patrols with the UNIPTF but we will continue to insist on that. And the Commissioner, Peter Fitzgerald, sent two letters, one to Minister Habib and one to deputy minister ?? With regard to the special police and armed civilian security guards in Mostar. He has requested the removal of these groups by 0800 on the 12th of November. If that is not done, we will report the matter to IFOR and ask for their assistance in taking decisive action in removing the special police and civilian security guards from Mostar. That's all I have. Thank you. Major Boudreau: good morning. It was a routinely busy day yesterday for IFOR units across the area of operations, with nothing significant of note to come from our inspections of weapons cantonment sites and patrolling. Just one development of more than routine interest, really - that is the flight ban which was imposed on the A-B-I-H on October 3 was lifted yesterday. Today, of course, marks the transfer of authority from the current COMIFOR, Admiral Joseph Lopez, to General William Crouch. That will take place at the Sarajevo airport at 1300, but given the security and traffic situation, you should arrive by noon in order to be seated on time. There will be a press conference at the airport around 1500 with Dr. Solana, the NATO Secretary General; General Joulwan, SACEUR; and General Crouch, the new COMIFOR. The sign-up sheet for the ceremony is in the hall, and if you are not on that list, we can't guarantee you are going to have access to the site, given the security arrangements in place so please make sure you sign up if you want to attend. Also, just one other note, please, there is no electricity available for you out there, so not to tell you how to tie your shoes, but you might want to bring some extra batteries..... C. Murphy: just one point. There is a copy of my statement available after this press conference. Questions? Any questions? No questions? Chris. Q: this is a question for the OSCE. Just ask if you have any follow-up or any answer to the questions I gave to dave Foley two or three days ago about the lists of dead and missing. J. Verheyden: can you just recall the questions once more? Q: Okay. I wanted to know if the OSCE has lists, or has applied to the municipalities for lists of the dead and missing since the 1991 census? As I understand it, you had applied, and been refused by all municipalities in the Spring, and I want to know if you've reapplied, you've got anywhere. If you haven't got anywhere, why not? Do you think you can hold credible elections, municipal elections, without knowing, who on the voting list, is alive and who is dead? J. Verheyden: I think I'll have to get back to you on that question. I haven't had time to check into that yet. Q: Dave said the same. Thanks. C. Murphy: anybody else? This may be the shortest press conference in history in that case. Nobody else? Thank you very much.

Transfer of authority ceremony 7 November 1996 Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina (NATO band) Master of ceremonies: ladies and gentlemen, please be seated... (inaudible... thank you very much for joining us today... support over the past 11 months. It's been so important for IFOR to (inaudible)...welcome Secretary General... (inaudible) Transcript of the Speech by NATO Secretary General Javier Solana For us it is a great pleasure to be here in Sarajevo and for the occasion that we have come. Please let me say a word about Sarajevo. For those who've been involved in this terrible war and now the reconstruction of this country, to be back in Sarajevo at the airport in order to see it open, and a lso to be at the change of command of IFOR is a great privilege and it is also a sign that things are moving and moving positively. I would like to pay tribute to IFOR once again. You have been following what IFOR has been doing the last months and when we look at it from the very beginning of December, and January 1996 until now, we really can be proud of what IFOR has been doing. The commitment of so many countries, more than thirty countries, the commitment of so many people in order to get stability in this country. Today we have a change of command. A new commander will be in charge and I want to tell you, until the end of the mission, IFOR will be continue to do its basic mission to guarantee the stabilisation of the country and the compliance signed at Dayton. Until the very last day of our mission, we will continue to do that. Let me tell you, NATO will not abandon Bosnia. As you know, we are now studying possible options. We have not taken a decision. We are thinking of possible options in order to continue cooperating, if possible, after the end of the mission; that means next year. But no decision has been taken up until now. Let me also say that we have had a meeting with the three presidents. I think it has been a positive meeting in which we have made very clear the basic message of their obligation to continue their commitment to what they signed in Dayton. In particular, they have to go a step for ward after the presidential elections and to continue building and reconstructing the common institutions. That's absolutely basic. We've asked the presidents to continue the commitments they signed in Dayton. Nothing is possible without their cooperation. They have a big responsibility to continue the reconstruction of this country. They have the help of the international community, but the responsibility lies on their shoulders. They have to stop looking back to the past and they have to start looking forward to the future. The international community will continue cooperating but if they do not cooperate it would be probably useless that we continue to cooperate with them. Once again let me thank you very much. I want to wish all the best to General Crouch. From now on he will be COMIFOR. I'm sure he'll do a very splendid job.

Transcript of the Speech by SACEUR General Joulwan Gen Joulwan: ladies and gentlemen, today's transfer of authority for one, multi-national NATO headquarters, to another multi-national NATO headquarters... is an historic occasion for the alliance and takes place in the historic city called Sarajevo. And this smooth transfer of authority is testimony to the responsibility and adaptability of NATO and the contributory organization Allied Command Europe. It's also a clear validation of NATO's partnership for peace, and military cooperation programs as many from non-NATO nations have joined us in "Operation Joint Endeavor." To Allied Forces Southern Europe -- or AFSOUTH -- and your commander, Adm. Joseph Lopez, I say "well-done." You and your predecessors, Adm. Lopez, have been directly involved in bringing peace to the balkans for over three years, and the last year, as commander of the peace implementation force -- or IFOR. No one, a year ago, would have believed IFOR could achieve such positive results. You and your team -- Generals Heinrich and (inaudible), ARRC commander Lt. Gen. Walker, chief-of-staff Gen. Carter, also supporting staff and commanders and troops from 32 nations -- have brought peace to this country and given hope to the children of Bosnia-Herzegovina. I say to all of you, "well done." To you in particular, Adm. Lopez, I am grateful for your steady hand at the helm these past three months. Your firm, fair, and even-handed approach to your mission is one to respect for the new political leadership in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the Admiration of your troops. "Bravo Zulu" Joe. Best wishes as you return to Naples, and continue to over watch and support the mission here, and also, as you assume responsibility for the rest of your area as CINCAFSOUTH?? To Gen. Bill Crouch and the new IFOR headquarters, built around the land component of NATO's central region or LANDCENT, "welcome." As the new COMIFOR you will lead a unique headquarters comprised of representatives from 25 nations, both NATO and non-NATO. Your mission is to continue to implement the instructions of the North Atlantic Council contained in Oplan 104-05 and subsequent guidance through the end of the mandate of 20 December 1996. You will also assist in the redeployment of the force as directed. You and your staff now carry the responsibility to maintain peace in Bosnia. In so doing, know that you have our confidence, trust and support. To the IFOR troops... we are all grateful for your sacrifice, your brilliant performance of duties...maintain your focus. I expect a smooth changeover of headquarters. Remember, we are part of one team with one mission, and that mission continues. Finally, to the political leadership and people of Bosnia-Herzegovina... the men and women of IFOR and the numerous civilian agencies have (inaudible) Master of ceremonies: Admiral T. Joseph lopez, Commander, Implementation Forces, Bosnia-Herzegovina...

Transcript of the Speech by Admiral Lopez Adm. Lopez: (inaudible)... I have to comment on the medals... I received the NATO medal, but I am definitely applying for the Purple Heart ... (laughter)... I want to begin this address on a very serious note... by expressing what I think is most important. That is, the magnificent performance of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and civilian employees of the 36 NATO and non-NATO nations who have been a part of IFOR during "Operation Joint Endeavor." I truly believe that we owe them our thanks and admiration. This truly is a multi-national operation. This is absolutely seamless in the way it has functioned while overcoming every language and equipment difficulty. We have together captured the spirit of "one team - one mission." Speaking specifically to the members of IFOR, I want to say that Bosnia-Herzegovina is better today because you were here, and the world will remember your determination, your perseverance, and your success. Although I cannot thank everyone individually, I want to especially thank IFOR's top leadership, the deputy commander, lieutenant General Jean Heinrich, now relieved by Lieutenant General Mark Waymel, the Commander of the ACE Rapid Reaction Corps, Lieutenant General Mike Walker, and my Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Bill Carter, all of whom have all been a constant source of support and advice. And just as importantly, I want to thank the IFOR leadership and staffs at all levels for safeguarding those lives which are entrusted to our care. From the top, their performance has been absolutely brilliant. I would be remiss if I did not add a word of thanks to my predecessors, Admiral Leighton Smith and the late Admiral Mike Boorda, for their successful planning and command of operations supporting this country these past three years. But thanks and praise extend well beyond the military as the name implies, Operation Joint Endeavor has truly been a team effort -- and we could not have succeeded in our military mission without the support of the many international agencies who are here performing difficult civilian missions under the Dayton Peace Agreement. In particular, the principal members of this international community you have helped so much: the High Representative, Mr. Carl Bildt and his deputy, Ambassador Steiner, the chief of the UN mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Riza, the International Police Task Force, Commissioner Fitzgerald, Chief of the OSCE mission Ambassador Frowick, and the chiefs of the UNHCR, Mr. Peterson and Mr. Faubert. I could go on, but as a team we -- and I consider IFOR are part of the international community -- we, in the international community spent long hours, with our sleeves rolled up, our deputies and principals together, resolving complicated issues. I sense historians will view this unprecedented cooperation as a model for future peace implementation operations. I will treasure the friendships, and the professional relationships. I wish all of you well as you continue your challenging missions. Although the interface was frequent, each request of the many embassies here in Bosnia-Herzegovina was met with full cooperation, and we certainly... in IFOR, appreciate all their support and assistance. The September 14th national elections were successful from IFOR's point of view, but were not the last challenges. Others remain, although progress has been made. Freedom of movement and freedom of return are areas which much has been done, but more effort remains. I might add here that it could be time to rename the zone of separation to the zone of cooperation. In the area of civil-military cooperation, several thousand engineers from 15 nations repaired or replaced 63 bridges and opened more than 2500 kilometers of roads and railways. Gas, water, and electrical service have been returned. Telephone and public transportation projects have re-opened the arteries of trade and communications. I have been satisfied with the level of compliance with the Dayton Agreement. However, I want to highlight one area of concern -- compliance with the arms reduction provisions of the Florence Agreement. I realize that the OSCE has the lead in this matter, but the parties must make immediate progress if they are to meet their December weapons reductions liabilities. IFOR's job would be considerably easier if there were far fewer weapons in this country, and the chances for a lasting peace would be far higher with fewer instruments of war. I might add that demining requires a full-time effort from everyone and progress has been very slow in this area. General Crouch, may I say that the zeal and attention to detail that LANDCENT has displayed over the past several months has helped insure a seamless transfer of IFOR command. This is important! There is much at stake here. The stage is now set for you and your team to continue the mission, and I know that you will benefit, as I have, from clear guidance from the NAC, the Secretary General and SACEUR. To Presidents Krajisnik and Zubak. I particularly want to thank you for your cooperation, your willingness to listen and your willingness to act. Even when we agreed to disagree, we continued the dialogue and progress was always, and is, our mutual goal, and that is very important. And now if I may, I would like to speak to the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina for a moment. The international community has tried to fulfil its promise of giving peace a chance by stopping the fighting, separating your former warfaring military forces, silencing the weapons of war that once threatened you and placing them in storage, helping you organize your national elections and install your first new government in four years. Even as another Winter approaches and you are breathing new life into your country, I believe that hope blossoms across this land; bus routes are open across the country; plastic is being replaced with new glass windows and doors are also being replaced. Cafes are full, your children are laughing and playing in school yards and playgrounds again. The only time that you have to run across the streets now is to avoid the trucks, trams, and automobiles that fill the once empty streets. I never thought I would say this, but, traffic jams are welcome signs of progress, and that's an indication of peace, stability, and the possibility of free enterprise. I would say to the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina, you have a chance. Opportunity is at your feet. But I and IFOR soldiers cannot bring you lasting peace. You, the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina, must demand peace and forgo hatred. Do not do this for yourself, do it for your children, do it for your grand children, and future generations to come. You know as well as I, true peace must come from within. As I return to Naples and command the Allied Forces of the Southern region, we will all remain in support of this mission through our air, naval, and striking force components. We want to continue to help and remain close to the process of giving the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina the best opportunity to construct a peaceful and united future. In conclusion, let me honor the men and women ... From all of the military and civilian organizations who have given their lives... and I say that, in only the last few days, three young British soldiers have given their lives in the pursuit of peace... almost at the time they were to go home. Many have suffered wounds. Our deepest sympathies are with their families and friends. Because of their sacrifices, this country now however, I believe, has the opportunity to live in peace and to flourish. And to all the IFOR soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and civilians who have been separated from their families and had their personal lives disrupted... I thank you. There has been no higher honor in my career than to have served as your commander. I wish General Crouch and his team, our team, the best of luck as they assume the great responsibilities entrusted to the alliance and I know they will continue this historic IFOR mission. And, as I look around the audience to the people who are not here, or if I have missed someone, please forgive me. I could not begin to thank all of you individually for your support and willingness to work together in the cause of peace. Thank you. (applause) Master of ceremonies: ladies and gentlemen, please stand for presentation of the Colors... please be seated... Gen. William W. Crouch, Commander, Implementation Forces, Bosnia-Herzegovina...

Transcript of the speech by General Crouch Gen. Crouch: members of the presidency ? Mr. Secretary General ? General Joulwan ? Fellow commanders ?distinguished guests ? It is an honor to have the opportunity to command this multi-national implementation force that has so effectively accomplished its mission over the past year. The troopers who are now present in the three multi-national divisions ? The support command ? The various headquarters ? And national support elements have executed their missions superbly. They have built the foundation of peace for the people of this region and I know the commanders who are here, present are very proud of the performance of their organizations. All of us appreciate your contribution. Admiral Lopez and the excellent AFSOUTH headquarters have not only expertly planned and executed this mission, but they have provided invaluable assistance to all of us in this transition. For that Joe, you know I am personally grateful. For the past three months we have worked closely with the AFSOUTH staff and the very capable headquarters of General Walker's ACE Rapid Reaction Corps. They have fully integrated our organization into their respective operations ? And have conducted a complete exchange of all of the critical tasks and information. As a result, we will continue the same steady, solid performance accomplished by professional troopers that we all witnessed over this past year. Because of this thorough overlap we are ready and we will remain focused on the implementation of the provisions of the Dayton peace accords ? And particularly upon the protection of our forces. We have prepared, thanks to General Stoeckman and the Allied Forces Central Europe headquarters who created and executed a comprehensive training program over the past two months. We intend to continue a close working relationship with the many international and non-governmental organizations that have joined together Bosnia and play such a critical role in the peace implementation process. While our purpose is to help build consensus and further the peace process ? Our rules of engagement remain unchanged. We will, of course, be completely responsive to the Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe ? And the North Atlantic Council. With 25 nations contributing troops to this headquarters, we are truly representative of the multi-national effort which has defined this operation from the very beginning. We know that we have a mandate ? We understand the mission ? And we intend to fully implement the terms of the Dayton Peace Accord in the same even handed, professional manner as we all have seen for the past 11 months. All policies, procedures and standing orders remain in effect. Thank you. Master of ceremonies: ladies and gentlemen, please stand for the departure of the official parties and dignitaries. This concludes the ceremony... .

Transcript of the Transfer of Authority press conference 7 November 1996 Dr. Shea: ladies and gentlemen, a very good afternoon to you all. Thank you very much indeed for coming to our press conference. I'm going to ask the Secretary General and SACEUR to say a few words about our visit here today to Sarajevo and afterwards, we'll have about fifteen minutes or so for questions. I'd also just welcome to the podium the new COMIFOR, General Crouch. Welcome General. So please, Secretary Secretary General Solana: thank you very much. I don't know if the acoustics are very good but we'll try to make ourselves ... It is a pleasure to be here today in Sarajevo and for the occasion that we have come. Please let me say a word about Sarajevo. For those who have been involved in this general war and now in the reconstruction and recongregation of this country, to be back in Sarajevo at the airport, this place in order to see it opened and also in order to be at the change of command of IFOR is a great privilege. It's also a sign that things are moving, they're moving positively. I would like to pay tribute to IFOR once again. If you have been following what IFOR has been doing in the last months ... And when we look at it from the very beginning, December-January 1996 until now, we really can be proud of what IFOR has been doing. The commitment of so many countries, more than 30 countries, and the commitment of so many people in order to get stability and peace in this country. Today, we have a change of command, a new commander will be in charge and I want to tell you that until the end of the mission, IFOR will continue to do what has been its basic mission; to guarantee the stabilization of the country and the compliance that was signed at Dayton. Until the very last day of our mission, we'll continue to do that. Let me tell you that NATO will not abandon Bosnia. As you know, we are now studying a possible option. We have not taken any d ecision but we are thinking about possible options in order to continue cooperating, if possible, after the end of the mission. That means next year. But no decision has been taken up to now. Let me also say that we have had a meeting with the three presidents. I think it's been a positive meeting in which we have made it very, very clear, the basic message of their obligation to continue the commitment they signed in Dayton. In particular, they have now to go a step forward after the present elections and to continue building and constructing the common institutions. That is absolutely basic. Of course, as I said before, we have asked them to continue committing to what they signed in Dayton. Nothing is possible without their cooperation. They have a big responsibility to continue the construction of this country. They have the help of the international community but the responsibility lies on their shoulders. They have to stop looking back, looking to the past, and start looking forward, looking to the future. The international community will continue cooperating but if they [the presidents] do cooperate. If they [the presidents] do not cooperate, it will probably be useless that we continue cooperating with them. Once again, let me thank you very much for your presence here. I want to wish all the best to General Crouch, that from now on he will be the COMIFOR and I'm sure he will be doing a very, very splendid job like his two predecessors. General Joulwan. General Joulwan: thank you very much Secretary General. Let me just add a few words. First, that this change-of-command is a very unique change-of-command. It's a very special time indeed. The new headquarters will have representatives from 25 different nations. It will be the largest multinational headquarters in recent history. Its mission has not changed but the headquarters will be comprised of many more nations. That makes it very unique. It will be coming from our central region and will be a headquarters based on what we call LANDCENT, or the land component of the central region. Its instructions, General Crouch's instructions, are very clear. His mandate is very clear and I am positive and confident that he will carry out his responsibilities in an excellent manner. I, too, was very pleased with the meetings that we've had today. There is a sense of optimism about the direction ahead and I hope we can continue to build on that. But in the end, it will be concrete results that are going to be important. This reconciliation that has been talked about needs to continually be enhanced. IFOR has provided the environment for that to take place and will continue to do so up to the end of our environment ... End of our mandate. So, to General Crouch, I wish him the very best as his carries out these very important responsibilities and as I've said so many times, NATO's mission continues and will continue right up to the end of our mandate. Thank you very much. Dr. Shea: SACEUR, Secretary General, thank you very much. Let's go to questions. Can I ask you please, respectfully as always, to give your name and news organization before putting your question. Yes, ma'am. And also please wait for the microphone. Thank you. Q: how confident can we be that there will indeed be a follow-on force? Secretary General Solana: well, I cannot answer that question beyond what I have said. We are considering that and military authorities are considering different options and we will start discussing those options with the Council in Brussels in the coming days. We will probably have an important meeting on Monday during which we will start discussing this question with General Joulwan. In the coming weeks, a decision will be taken, but I cannot go beyond what I have said already. Q: yesterday, you seemed to indicate (inaudible) alternate countries taking part in the present mission with (inaudible) follow-on force (inaudible). Secretary General Solana: what I said yesterday is about the same thing I'm saying today. (inaudible) I haven't said today, which is that I hope that, if there's a follow-on force, the countries that have been participating, 32 countries, 33 countries, that have been participating in IFOR, they will continue to participate. That is what I said yesterday and I haven't said today. But I repeat it now also. I would wish and I would expect that if there is a follow-on force, that follow-on force will be built up of the same countries that have been participating in the mission until now, which, as you know, is about 33, 34 countries. Q: what is your comment on the last report that the new IFOR cannot (inaudible). Do you have any idea that the new IFOR can have a mandate to either be still (inaudible) war criminals. Secretary General Solana: well you know, if there's a new mandate, a new IFOR, it will be under the mandate of the UN Security Council. We cannot decide to have another ... I mean stay here another year without a mandate of the UN Security Council. So we'll have to see what the mandate is, but up until now, we will continue with the mandate that has been defined until the end of the mission, that is at the end of the month of December of the year. Q: (inaudible) Secretary General Solana: what I can tell you, the mission that we have now is very clear. It's very clear that we are complying with that mission and will continue to do that until the very last day. If we continue after that day, we will have another mission, defined by the UN Security Council. Of course, we will comply with the new mission whatever it is. I don't want to make any comment on any minister's statement. I'm the Secretary General of NATO and (inaudible) make a statement and which I may have agreement or disagreement with that. The important thing is a decision that is collectively taken. Q: (inaudible) General Crouch: I'm going to, as the Secretary General said, continue as my predecessors to enforce the Dayton Peace Accords. Q: (inaudible) Secretary General Solana: did you want an answer to that question here in Sarajevo today? I'm sorry, I'm not going to do it, because no decision has been taken. I promise you that if a decision had been taken, I would have answer you very happily, but I can't because no decision has been taken. Q: (inaudible) Secretary General Solana: the answer to that question is very simple. As you know, it's (inaudible). It is the Article 10 of the Washington Treaty that says very clearly (inaudible). The number of members today may be 16, 16 members. It's not the same number there were in 1950s. So NATO has been having more members along the years. And probably by the end of the century will be more members. But again, NATO is an open organization, it is well-defined in the Article 10 of the Washington Treaty. Q: (inaudible) General Joulwan: well I would not like to speculate until we have a decision by the Council on a follow-on force. That is being debated now. We then will adjust. General Crouch's mission is very clear. Carry out the mandate until the 20th of December and assist then in the redeployment of the force. I have no other mission until then. When that time comes, we will then make a decision whether this headquarters ... Or what we have to do to carry out those decisions. We will adapt. If it's to continue on redeployment, we will do that. Q: (inaudible) General Joulwan: I don't want to speculate because we don't know the mission. I think it would be wrong to speculate on that right now. Secretary General Solana: in any case, we (inaudible) Q: (inaudible) General Joulwan: that's a very good question. We have thought about this for some time. Professionally, it is very, to me, very important that the headquarters that has to redeploy out doesn't also have to command and continue to accomplish the mission. So we bring in a headquarters to cover that redeployment just like we bring in troops as we're doing up in the North, to cover the redeployment of forces out. It really makes sense. We've been working on it for some time and it is proper. So this headquarters has come in with a clear and simple focus - that is to redeploy the force out. Q: (inaudible) General Joulwan: we have designed both headquarters and I think it's important here to understand that IFOR, with AFSOUTH, had officers and non-commissioned officers from the entire alliance, from AFNORTHWEST in England and Norway, to AFCENT, as well as from AFSOUTH. So we used the headquarters based on AFSOUTH to form the first IFOR. This time, we took a headquarters in LANDCENT and formed the headquarters around that. Many are very similar in functions and so they're very close at the end, even though one was based on AFSOUTH and the other based on LANDCENT. So they're both very similar in terms of organization and function. Q: (inaudible) Secretary General Solana: the role of Germany in the potential follow-on force ... It would be, at this moment ... I was in Germany yesterday talking to Chancellor Kohl and to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defense, and they are prepared to contribute to the follow-on force, if, at the end, (inaudible) they are prepared to contribute also with force to be deployed in Bosnia-Herzegovina. But again, this is an offer that we are very happy to have and we are very grateful to this position of all the countries which already have shown their ... This position, if at they end, we take the decision to continue. General Joulwan: May I just add that we are very grateful for Germany's current contribution to IFOR. They are making a substantial contribution and we're very grateful for that as we are for the contributions of all the nations, of the 30+ nations, and for the sacrifices being made by their soldiers and their families. This has been a very historic deployment and we want to give credit also to the families who have supported the troops while they've been here. It's been something for me to watch over the course of 30-something nations, all working together as a team, with one common mission here in Bosnia. Dr. Shea: SACEUR, Secretary General, General Crouch, thank you very much. Thank you everybody. I look forward to seeing you the next time we come to Sarajevo.