I've been the Supreme Allied Commander for nearly four years and during that time, Bosnia-Herzegovina has dominated much of what I've been involved in. I had a very good discussion today with the presidency and with the Principals group. I am here also to congratulate General Crouch and his SFOR team for the great work they have done since December '96 in putting together a truly multinational force in trying to bring peace and stability to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although SFOR, and IFOR before it, can create the secure conditions and the absence of war, only the parties themselves can bring about true peace. I mentioned that again to the presidencies and I talked about the hope for the children of Bosnia-Herzegovina and said they hold that in their hands.
Reconciliation is still something very fragile, but it needs to be done.
The focus should be not on what we are going to in June of '98, but what can be done between now and June of '98. Again, we had a very frank talk about the way ahead, particularly the lead up to the elections. The group shows great solidarity, and that is good for the way ahead in Bosnia-Herzegovina. So I am optimistic about the days ahead. I think there is great opportunity for peace and stability in Bosnia-Herzegovina, but it will depend on the parties themselves.