(25 Mar 1999) English/Nat

President Clinton addressed a divided American public on Thursday about the need for the U-S led NATO attacks in Serbia, selling his message on prime-time television.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Our mission is clear. To demonstrate the seriousness of NATO's purpose so that the Serbian leaders understand the imperative of reversing course. To deter an even bloodier offensive against innocent civilians in Kosovo and if necessary, to seriously damage the Serbian military's capacity to harm the people of Kosovo. In short, if president Milosevic will not make peace, we will limit his ability to make war."
SUPER CAPTION: Bill Clinton, President of the United States of America

Clinton also referred to the recent atrocities witnessed through the media of ethnic cleansing in the volatile region, stressing the importance of action sooner rather than later.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Now they've started moving from village to village, shelling civilians and torching their houses. We've seen innocent people taken from their homes, forced to kneel in the dirt and sprayed with bullets. Kosovar men dragged from their families, fathers and sons together lined up and shot in cold blood. This is not war in a traditional sense, it is an attack by tanks and artillery on a largely defenceless people who's leaders already have agreed to peace."
SUPER CAPTION: Bill Clinton, President of the United States of America

Preparing the public for the possibility of US casualties Clinton acknowledged the risks of conflict but remained steadfast in believing the course of action as necessary.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"There are risks in this military action. Risk to our pilots and the people on the ground. Serbian air defences are strong. It could decide to intensify its assault on Kosovo or to seek to harm us or our allies elsewhere. If it does, we will deliver a forceful response. Hopefully, Mr Milosevic will realise his present course is self destructive and unsustainable."
SUPER CAPTION: Bill Clinton, President of the United States of America

The U-S is under increasing pressure from Russia which condemned the action as outrageous, claiming it was taken without the authorisation of the United Nations Security Council.

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