US wants big cut in NATO troops in Bosnia
( 2001-12-19 11:11 ) (7 )

US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld called on Tuesday for a reduction of the 18,000 NATO peacekeeping troops in Bosnia by at least 6,000 by next year.

Washington, which is fielding some 3,100 troops in a peacekeeping force dominated by Europeans, has reiterated recently its Balkan mantra of "we went in together, we shall come out together".

But diplomats said Rumsfeld appeared to be pushing the pace of a wind-down to help release military resources for the US-led campaign against international terrorism.

Rumsfeld said there was a time when military forces would declare victory and go home after accomplishing missions.

"Today, however, it often seems that when it comes to such missions success means never having to say goodbye," he said in a statement prepared for delivery at a meeting of NATO defence ministers.

"I would think that troop levels (in Bosnia) could and should be reduced by at least 6,000 from the current 18,000 -- and perhaps more," he said.

NATO Secretary-General George Robertson said there was support on NATO's executive North Atlantic Council for cuts.

"Today we are moving more and more towards a position where the civil authorities can and would be expected to take ownership of their own country," Robertson told reporters.