THE WHITE HOUSE
				    
		     Office of the Press Secretary

________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                                       July 9, 1996


     	       	    STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

	     Training and Equipping the Bosnian Federation


I am pleased to announce the start of the U.S.-led train and equip
program for the armed forces of the Bosnian Federation.  The purpose
of this program is to assist in providing Bosnia with the ability to
defend itself, and thereby promote security and stability in the
region.  The program will also help ensure that upon IFOR's
departure, a military balance exists among the former warring
parties so that none of them are encouraged to resume hostilities.

Full commencement of the train-and-equip program was conditioned on the
Bosnian government fully complying with two commitments: first, the
Dayton provision mandating the withdrawal of foreign forces and
terminating its intelligence cooperation with Iran; and, second, the
passage of a new Federation Defense Law leading to the integration of
Federation military forces and the creation of western-oriented defense
institutions in Bosnia.  On June 26, I certified that the Bosnian
government had met its commitments with regard to foreign forces and
relations with Iran.

I am very pleased to say that this afternoon, the Bosnian Federation
Parliament adopted a new Defense Law.  Bosnian President Izetbegovic and
Federation President Zubak have overcome many significant issues in
order for the Defense Law to become reality.  Their leadership reflects
a commitment to a workable Federation government, and this law is an
essential building-block of a functioning Federation.  When implemented,
it will strengthen security for all Bosnians and contribute
significantly to a lasting peace in the region.

With the passage of the law, the Bosnian government has made good on its
commitments.  Now we can make good on ours: the U.S.-led, international
train and equip program will begin immediately.  We anticipate the
program will start in a matter of days in Sarajevo when the Federation
signs a contact with MPRI, a U.S.-based company which will execute and
manage the program within Bosnia.  MPRI will conduct its first training
session for senior military leaders in Bosnia within approximately three
to four weeks.

The U.S. drawdown and transfer of approximately $100 million worth of
military equipment to Bosnia will also now begin soon.  The drawdown
package includes individual equipment items, tactical communications
assets, small arms and ammunition, main battle tanks, armored personnel
carriers, light anti-tank weapons and utility helicopters.

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