13252, 31-Mar-94, 19:32, -E----, 8019

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404 AMBASSADOR ALBRIGHT DEDICATES SITE OF FUTURE AMERICAN EMBASSY IN SARAJEVO

(Transcript: Remarks by Ambassador Albright in Sarajevo) (1270)

Sarajevo -- Ambassador Madeleine Albright declared "I am a Sarajevan" at the dedication of a plaque marking the future site of the American Embassy in Sarajevo March 30. Bosnian President Alija Izetbegovic attended, along with senior members of the Bosnian government, and over three hundred Sarajevans. Ambassador Albright was joined by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. John Shalikashvili.

In her remarks, Ambassador Albright commended the Bosnian people for their courage and toughness under siege. She also called on Bosnian Serbs to "join with other Bosnian citizens in a viable and voluntary peace."

Following is a transcript of her remarks:

(Begin transcript)

.....The war fought here was not a war among three competing nationalities. It was a war between the advocates of violent ethnic separatism and the government of an internationally-recognized, multi-ethnic state. Your dedication to political pluralism and ethnic tolerance -- even in the crucible of war -- has earned the admiration and respect of the world, as has your commitment to democratic principles and processes, to free elections and a free press. Those principles and that dedication provide the foundation upon which a new Bosnia-Herzegovina may be built.

It has been almost two months since the market square massacre aroused even the most hardened consciences. The U.N and NATO, with the active encouragement of the United States, have backed diplomacy with force to relieve Sarajevo, enforced the no-fly zone, opened Tuzla airport and brokered a cease-fire in Central Bosnia. The Bosnian Croats and the government have since negotiated a federation that balances local self-government and federal concerns. .... The momentum has shifted from ever-widening war towards peace. .......But the road ahead is steep. ....... The cease-fire in Sarajevo and Mostar must be consolidated and extended. ......My government is also prepared to join others in the international community in helping to rebuild your country.

As a first step, we are contributing $10 million towards rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts here in Sarajevo. We know that actual reconstruction costs will total in the billions of dollars. Much planning will be required. The scars made by war on buildings and infrastructure -- like the scars left on the bodies and in the minds of the human survivors of this conflict -- will take time to heal. But I pledge to you that the United States will help lead the way in mobilizing international support.

The months ahead will be a critical test not only for the people of Bosnia, but for the organizations established to relieve suffering, respond to threats to international peace and security, and enlarge the sway of international law. My government will work closely with the new U.N. Special Coordinator as we proceed from the phase of emergency relief to full scale rehabilitation. Wherever possible, displaced families should be allowed to return voluntarily and safely to their homes. The arteries of community life -- road, bridges, churches, schools, airports, civic institutions -- should be re-opened, repaired or rebuilt. Heavy weapons shelling Bosnian cities should be silenced and secured.

The potential for peace does not diminish the urgency of the work of the War Crimes Tribunal for former Yugoslavia. It will be far easier for Bosnians to live together if collective guilt for the atrocities committed here is expunged and individual responsibility -- to the extent possible -- is assigned.

....Let me close by quoting my good friend Vaclav Havel, who understands so well the symbolism of Sarajevo: "Today, more than ever before in the history of mankind, everything is interrelated. Therefore, the values and the prospects of contemporary civilization are everywhere subjected to great tests." It is for this reason, Havel writes, that the future of America and Europe "is being decided in suffering Sarajevo."

That is why I am so pleased to be here today, representing the United States, at the site of the future American Embassy, in this very special city. For today's ceremony should demonstrate -- for all to see -- that America's future and your future are inseparable.

Thank you very much.

(End transcript)