IV
106TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. CON. RES. 96
Expressing the sense of the Congress that the President, working with the
other member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO), should use all available diplomatic means to negotiate a fair,
equitable, and peaceful settlement between warring factions in Yugoslavia
without the introduction of ground elements of the United States Armed
Forces.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MAY 5, 1999
Mr. HAYES submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred
to the Committee on International Relations
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of the Congress that the President,
working with the other member nations of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), should use all
available diplomatic means to negotiate a fair, equitable,
and peaceful settlement between warring factions in
Yugoslavia without the introduction of ground elements
of the United States Armed Forces.
Whereas the Congress supports the members of the United
States Armed Forces engaged in military operations
against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia;
Whereas the Congress and the people of the United States
deeply appreciate the sacrifice and patriotism dem-
•HCON 96 IH
onstrated by members of the United States Armed
Forces;
Whereas the Congress desires a peaceful and autonomous
Kosovo;
Whereas the Congress wishes to focus its undivided attention
on the refugees and humanitarian relief;
Whereas the bombing by the North Atlantic Treaty Organiza-
tion (NATO) has significantly reduced the military power
and equipment of Slobodan Milosevic;
Whereas the NATO alliance has no desire to inflict damage
on the civilian population of Yugoslavia;
Whereas the supplemental defense appropriation bill relating
to Kosovo that will be enacted shows the uncompromising
resolve of the United States, as a member of NATO, to
reject the totalitarian regime of Milosevic and others like
him;
Whereas the United States and NATO support freedom and
democracy around the world;
Whereas a bipartisan delegation from the House of Rep-
resentatives conferred with members of the Russian
Duma in Vienna, Austria, to ameliorate diplomatic rela-
tions with Russia which have been strained as a result
of NATO’s actions in Yugoslavia;
Whereas the Congress extends its deepest gratitude to Staff
Sergeant Christopher J. Stone, Staff Sergeant Andrew A.
Ramirez, and Specialist Steven M. Gonzales for their
courageous service and sacrifice during their 32-day cap-
tivity in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and com-
mends the Reverend Jesse Jackson for successfully nego-
tiating their release; and
•HCON 96 IH
Whereas Slobodan Milosevic has demonstrated an increased
willingness to reengage in peace negotiations: Now, there-
fore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that—
(1) the President, working with the other mem-
ber nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organiza-
tion (NATO), should use all available diplomatic
means to negotiate a fair, equitable, and peaceful
settlement between warring factions in Yugoslavia
without the introduction of ground elements of the
United States Armed Forces forces;
(2) a mutually accepted ceasefire agreement
should be reached while the negotiations described in
paragraph (1) are ongoing; and
(3) the settlement described in paragraph (1)
should include (but is not limited to)—
(A) the removal of Serbia military forces
and national police from Kosovo;
(B) the establishment of an autonomous
Kosovo;
(C) the unhindered return of any willing
refugee to Kosovo; and