I have the greatest respect for Strobe Talbott. and I think he is representing us ably in our efforts to engage the Russians in helping to forge a negotiated settlement in Kosovo. I have told him recently how important I believe it is that we not simply try to get the Russians to agree to NATOs view on how a settlement should be reached. I support the basic military. political. and humanitarian goals which NATO has outlined: the safe return of refugees to their homes: the withdrawal of Serb security forcesor at least to halt the bombing. a start on their withdrawal. with a commitment to a concrete timetable: the presence of an armed international force to protect refugees and monitor Serb compliance. full access to Kosovo for nongovernmental organizations aiding the refugees. and Serb willingness to participate in meaningful negotiations on Kosovos status. But there are different ways to meet these goals. We need to be open to new Russian ideas on how to proceed. including the key issue of the composition of an international military presenceand it must be a military presenceto establish and then keep the peace there.
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refugees