What Happens When A Change Of Command Ceremony Can't Take Place?

Dr. Javier Solana, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization: The NATO medal is awarded to civilian and military personnel who are or have been engaged in operations or (indiscernible) conducted by the North Atlantic Treaty Arrangement. The presentation today recognizes the stop of tour for Full general William Crouch and the medal is presented to him to recognize his service in operations in the Old Yugoslavia.

Announcer: Transfer of the arrangement colors is pregnant in many ways; with the transfer of the system's legacy, every bit passed from 1 commander's authority to another. Historically, the colors have served as a signal around which troops of the organization rally during boxing. The colors accept traditionally been at the forefront of the formation, signifying the stability and unity of an organization.

These elements are particularly important to an organization having a mission like the Stabilization Forces. The transfer of the colors between the incoming and approachable commanders symbolize the passing of command and authorisation for the Stabilization Force from General Crouch to Full general Shinseki.

Secretary General Solana: I would like to give thanks General Crouch today for his vital contribution to peace and reconstruction in Bosnia in his time here as COMIFOR and COMSFOR. His command has been during a crucial time.

We take seen the transition from IFOR to SFOR (indiscernible), simply it was an equally demanding mission. Despite a reduction in numbers, SFOR has continued to ensure compliance with the military provisions of the peace understanding and to support the civil reconstruction of this country. Firmness and fairness take been his watchwords and he has carried out the duties (indiscernible).

But allow me say very clearly and firmly that SFOR volition not tolerate provocations or threats. SFOR will not be deterred and will carry out it'southward action every bit needed. General Crouch has done a super job. He has managed the transition, showed exemplary leadership and professionalism. Today is the day when we can publicly limited our thank you to you, General, for a task well done. I do and then with pleasure, on behalf of the North Atlantic Council and all nations participating in SFOR.

Just let me also say a personal give-and-take to you: Over the many months we have worked together, I accept come to admire yous equally a man of fortitude, of vision and of humanity. It is therefore with a sense of regret that I bid you farewell, only also with a sense of profound gratitude. General Hunker's outstanding efforts take giving a very potent political signal to all parties.

The international community remains determined and united in the implementation of the Peace Agreement. We expect total cooperation with the letter and the spirit of the agreement. Those who practise not cooperate, or seek to avoid their own responsibilities, cannot expect to enjoy the back up of the international customs.

This country used to be known for it'southward tolerance and it'due south diversity. It tin can render to that. The exterior world can look once again at Bosnia and Herzegovina with admiration. Simply only if its leaders piece of work together and brainstorm to way a mutual destiny. NATO, IFOR, and now SFOR accept given Bosnia and Herzegovina a chance for reconstruction. That risk must not be thrown away. For NATO'southward part, we will continue to act fairly and firmly to make sure progress continues.

Full general Crouch, on behalf of the North Atlantic Council, I thanks again. Your successor, General Shinseki, will carry on the work and, similar you, will confront a number of challenges in completing the SFOR mission. But while SFOR mandates come up to an end, the Alliance has the commitment to any long-term interests in the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its surroundings.

At that place is no military choice for any party or grouping at present or in the future. The only option is peaceThe only choice is cooperation. SFOR is an outstanding instance of international cooperation, and Full general Shinseki will carry forward the standard of peace. Information technology is a demanding job, but i which enjoys the back up of the international community, and in detail, of the nations of the Alliance and its partners in SFOR. General, we wish you lot practiced fortune.

General Wesley G. Clark, Supreme Allied Commander Europe: Mr. Secretary General, Excellencies, the Land Representatives of the Authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Entities, fellow general and flag officers, distinguished guests, and soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines of SFOR: Thank you for being here today to say goodbye to General William Crouch and to welcome his successor, Full general Eric Shinseki.

It'south a great privilege to accept the NATO Secretary General hither with us today. His leadership and conclusion have been instrumental in all that'south been achieved and in providing clarity to this mission. Give thanks you for that keen guidance and those strong words, Mr. Secretary Full general.

In a comparatively short period, since the start of this NATO mission, it's go clear that we've reached a significant bespeak-peradventure even a turning bespeak. An incredible amount has been achieved since the Implementation Force deployed 1 and a one-half years ago. The Stabilization Strength has built on those achievements in the vii months of its mission to date, merely there's much more than to be done.

To the political leadership and the people of Bosnia Herzegovina: You know that the men and women of SFOR and the numerous civilian agencies take sacrificed, and indeed, shed their claret, so that the people of this land have the chance of lasting peace. But let there be no misunderstanding: SFOR will fulfill its mandate in every respect. There is no turning back; we will not be deterred or intimidated. And if threatened or blocked, we will take strong action.

To the leaders in this country: I remind yous that only you can create the conditions for a peaceful, safe and prosperous Bosnia Herzegovina. Only you tin create a country where you'll have a time to come without terror. Only you can make the most of the historic opportunity that lies before you. Delight exercise not let it pass.

Yous and your fellow leaders signed at Dayton. You lot're answerable to the people of this country, to the 36 nations of this coalition. You're accountable before the police force and to history. I phone call on y'all to move forward promptly to fulfill the full mensurate of obligations yous undertook at Dayton, including full cooperation with the international criminal Tribunal on Yugoslavia.

Standing here at present, I recall my get-go visits to this city in mid-1994. At that time, Sarajevo was symbolic of the despair of war. But today, Sarajevo is again a bustling city--Stores and shops reopened, a marketplace foursquare that'due south condom again for citizens to shop, encounter and discuss the issues of the day. That's the symbol of the success of the mission of NATO, simply it's not plenty. We're not going to live in the by. We must set our sights on what this state can be in the hereafter, and for that, we must achieve the full implementation of the agreements reached at Dayton.

General Bill Crouch, who hands over command of SFOR today, has been one of the architects of success in Bosnia. He and the men and women of his LANDCENT headquarters formed and trained a deployable team, tripled information technology in size, joined with troops from 25 NATO and non-NATO nations. This headquarters is both joint and combined, and in many ways, a practical case of NATO's new concepts. The headquarters then took over the Implementation Force mission and shortly became the headquarters for the Stabilization Force.

The axiomatic success of the transition and the Stabilization Forcefulness tin can exist attributed widely to the troops and to their commander, General Bill Crouch. General Hunker has significantly improved the synchronization of civil-military cooperation. He has even-handedly ensured steady progress toward the achievement of central Dayton objectives in such areas as elections, demining, and arms command. Bill, thanks for all that you have done here. You'll long be remembered for your contribution, and we wish yous the all-time in your new assignment in Washington.

To the Stabilization Forcefulness new Commander, General Eric Shinseki, welcome. Your mission is to continue to implement the instructions of the North Atlantic Quango and to build on the tremendous progress of those who have gone earlier you lot. Know that yous have our trust, confidence and full support.

To the troops of the Stabilization Force, we're all grateful for your sacrifices and for your outstanding performance of duty. I ask that yous maintain your focus and your support of General Shinseki too as you lot accept supported General Crouch.

Before last, permit me return once again to my first point: So much has been achieved over the final year and a half. Just there is vital piece of work yet to be done. There is no turning back; we must fulfill the provisions of Dayton.

Again, to General Crouch, well done. To Full general Shinseki, welcome and good luck.

General William Hunker, outgoing Commander of SFOR: General Widder, Regimental Sergeant Major Smith, thank y'all for this great looking germination. Professionalism of the troopers present here represents the quality of the soldiers from the many nations who make up the Stabilization Force. 1Lt. (Mustoffa Ochen), the Turkish Brigade Military machine Band has already been heard, and is of course fantabulous. Gary Lamb, thanks as e'er for the performance of the United states of america Ground forces Europe Band.

I'm followed in command past an extremely well-qualified officeholder in Full general Shinseki, a true gentleman who will serve the troops of SFOR with resolute dedication and devotion. I tin can't think of anyone amend suited for this mission. Sir, a sincere welcome to you. All of the best wishes of the people present here and your troopers are with you lot, and we know you volition enjoy dandy success.

Mr. Secretary General Solana, Excellencies, Mr. Westendorp, members of the Principals Group, distinguished guests, troopers, ladies and gentlemen, when LANDCENT deployed in October of '96, we faced tremendous uncertainty and great challenge. Our mission was to perform a relief in identify of two headquarters and ensure compliance with the military annex of the Dayton Peace Accordance.

We achieved this mission considering of our strength-We are 36 nations united in purpose, with an ability to always work together. Our strengths did non happen by accident; we owe a debt of gratitude to Full general (Sir Jeremy Mackenzie) and Major General (John Durvankiavitz), who congenital a terrific headquarters organization and worked with separate nations to ensure that it was adequately resourced. And to General (Dider Stegman), whose supported usa consistently with people and who managed our fundamental leader training.

Real thanks to each of the contributing nations for the great personalities sent to help usa. The unique expertise, experience and culture that each contingent brought to the force, combined with a strong sense of mutual respect, teamwork and mission focus has resulted in an incredibly talented grouping.

Maybe no one symbolizes our strengths more than the Commander of LANDCENT Support Command, Col. (Don Brunner), who met the simultaneous challenges of commanding LANDCENT's Support Command in Heidelberg, moving us here to Sarajevo and transforming our surroundings to what you see today.

This aforementioned spirit is embedded in each of our troopers and all of our units, whether the nationality is Czech, Russian, German, U.S., French, British or Spanish, the resolve, dedication and sacrifice of each immature soldier, regardless of circumstance, has been an inspiration. The all-time soldiers in the world are represented hither; NATO and it'southward partners have given their best.

Sir, y'all gave me a personal annotate; I will say to you, thanks for your strong support and the warmth of your friendship, particularly when I needed it. To General Clark, who also came of the airplane today and said, "I bring to you not only my own greetings, but that of General Joulwan, for whom nosotros worked as SACEUR", to both of y'all gentlemen, cheers for a brief fourth dimension in your leadership.

My thanks go to Lt. Gen. (Phillipe Monsieux) for his marvelous performance, for the special friendship of Lt. Gen. Cordy-Simpson and Maj. Gen. Jack (Nicks), which goes back many years; I'thousand very grateful. Further, I capeesh the paw of Maj. Gen. Werner Widder and the bright contributions of my political counselor, (Meta Nielson). Our strengths accept allowed u.s.a. to succeed in an uncertain environment.

Multinational Division Southwest has proven itself adept in coping with truly sparse resource and the tremendous challenge posed past the recent instability in its area of performance. Well done, (Ingus Ramsey).

Multinational Division Southeast, with a very impressive new commander, (Christian Delange), is truly the about diverse, bringing together various nations at all levels and rapidly forged a unity of control and unity of purpose that enabled it to deal finer with challenges ranging from Stake to Mostar.

Multinational Sectionalization Northward has kept the peace in a number of contentious areas, most notably Brcko; (Dave Grange), your leadership is already evident.

And our Operational Reserve, under Col. (Tim Casey), a trained and prepare unit has repeatedly been called upon by partitioning commanders.

Our mission and the path to success remain, as in (Joe Lopez'south) challenge every bit he departed 10 months agone, unit of purpose, adherence to Dayton and a focus on common institutions will allow us to achieve our goals. SFOR has faithfully executed its mandate. I know it will remain committed to the full implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords. Thank you, troops.

Full general Eric Shinseki, Stabilization Force Commander: Troops on parade, accept heart, I'thou the last speaker!

Secretarial assistant General Dr. Solana, your Excellencies, SACEUR, General Clark, Mr. Westendorp and other Principals, fellow general officers and flag officers, all of you lot gallant troopers of SFOR, ladies and gentlemen, welcome and thank you for joining united states at this final germination that General Bill Crouch stands with SFOR. We are hither to honor him and to salute all that he has accomplished with SFOR in the proper noun of peace.

Troopers in formation, to include the two bands who are present hither, you lot look absolutely bully. Thank yous for honoring us with this very special ceremony; well washed to all.

As you have heard mentioned several times already, December 1995, the units of IFOR crossed the Sava river and began its mission of hope. Our mission then was to bring peace to Bosnia and Herzegovina. That charter has not inverse.

Our commonage efforts, those of the 36 nations who, by strategic consent, have placed their young men and women here in Bosnia Herzegovina, those of the international and non-governmental organizations who serve with us and to whom we provide our support, and those of the police force-abiding members of the entities who have embraced the General Framework Agreement for Peace-These collective efforts have moved the cause of peace much closer to the Dayton vision than some I would have expected.

Bosnia Herzegovina is safer today than information technology was 18 months ago, and yet, as you have heard and observed several times, the full peace envisioned by Dayton has not been accomplished. Nosotros have simply stopped the fighting; nosotros have much to do in the coming yr.

To the people of Bosnia Herzegovina, let me say simply: Nosotros correspond peace. We are here at your invitation to help to achieve the peace you could not accomplish on your ain. I say again, we represent peace. Fifty-fifty if information technology means using decisive action to preserve information technology. Our resolve is business firm; help us to craft for you lot a future far, far different than the history you have known. You lot have a precious opportunity to create a better future for Bosnia Herzegovina. Sieze the moment; don't let it slip away.

To the troopers of IFOR, I salute your accomplishments. I enquire for your continued support in keeping SFOR an instrument for peace. Be safe; your well-being is important to all of the states, and particularly to me. In the years to come, allow us to exist able to look back on our piece of work hither and proudly say that we were Dayton, that without united states of america, the children of the Balkans would have suffered the same kind of bleak futures that their parents had endured.

To Full general Nib Crouch, we know what information technology has taken, Sir, to have brought us this far. Your courage to make decisions when their were no practiced options, the forcefulness to bear the weight of the mission solely upon your shoulders and the cocky conviction to motion forward when others-and sometimes many others-advised circumspection, we salute you and promise that your investment here, both personal and professional person, has passed into practiced hands. Thank you lot for charting a course that will help us to advance the cause of peace. On behalf of each of the troopers of SFOR, thank y'all, and God speed as you prepare to leave Europe.

Finally, and over again, to the members of SFOR: You are our nearly precious resource and our best promise for mission success. I expect only your best efforts, from personal subject field to professional readiness. Treat the people of this nation with fairness and with respect. Remember, nosotros stand for peace. Having said that, I also expect from you the alertness that marks all professional soldiers. Be safe, take care of yourselves and your comrades. I am honored and privileged to serve as Commander of SFOR.

I pledge to your and to the members of the Principals grouping, my very best efforts in a unity of purpose to evangelize each full mensurate of Dayton. The mission continues.

Announcer: At this time, General Crouch will move forward to unveil a statue which formerly sat in the center of the fountain in this former park area of Ilidza. Although it was damaged during the war, it has been recovered and restored. Information technology now sits as a monument to the efforts of SFOR and their standing achievement of ensuring stability in the region.

The plaque on the statue reads, "Dedicated to the professional men and women of the Stabilization Force who served to bring peace to Bosnia Herzegovina."