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U.S. Department of State 93/08/09 Remarks regarding the North Atlantic Council action on Sarajevo Office of the Spokesman STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF STATE WARREN CHRISTOPHER August 9, 1993 The United States is pleased by the important actions taken today by the North Atlantic Council. These steps significantly further the United States initiative to make air power available to lift the strangulation of Sarajevo and other areas, stop interference with humanitarian relief operations, and promote a viable political settlement in the negotiations at Geneva. At the North Atlantic Council meeting last Monday, NATO unanimously made the policy decision to prepare for air strikes, and laid down a clear warning to those responsible for the strangulation of Sarajevo and other civilian areas. Today, the Alliance unanimously approved a thorough and detailed operational plan for air strikes prepared by the NATO military committee over the last week in conjunction with UNPROFOR. The plan is sound and comprehensive. It sets forth the targeting identification process and the command and control arrangements for air strikes. With today's decision, the Alliance now has in place all the means necessary to take forceful action against the Serbs should they not cease their intolerable behavior. The unanimous decision today signals that the international community will not accept the laying siege of cities and the continued bombardment of civilians, the denial of humanitarian assistance to people in need, or empty promises as a cover for aggression. The Serbs are on notice, and whether air power is used depends on their deeds. (###)