Kasich proposes restrictions on Kosovo money

by Katherine Rizzo
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON - Ohio Rep. John Kasich urged his colleagues Wednesday to withhold half of the money needed to keep American peacekeeping troops in Kosovo.

Kasich wants the United States to prod its European allies to pay amounts they've promised for peacekeeping, reconstruction and humanitarian aid.

"An alliance is based on cooperation and mutual assistance," he said. "It is not a one-way street."

The Republican from suburban Columbus said he wanted fellow House members to pay attention to "a feeling among Americans that we are the world's policeman whether we like it or not."

The House was considering a $9 billion package designed to provide extra money for the Kosovo deployment, for combating drug trafficking in Colombia and providing aid to victims of Hurricane Floyd. Kasich offered an amendment to lock up half of the $2 billion appropriation for the military operation in Kosovo.

Under his plan, $1 billion could be spent only if the president certified by June 1 that the Europeans had satisfied a specific portion of their commitments to Kosovo peacekeeping and rebuilding.

The southern Serbian province has been run by the United Nations and NATO-led peacekeeping troops since a 78-day NATO bombing campaign ended a crackdown on ethnic Albanians just over a year ago.

Among the things Kasich wants the Europeans to provide in the coming months: at least a third of the money promised for reconstruction; at least 75 percent of the money promised to run the province; and at least 75 percent of promised personnel for the United Nations international police force.

If all that wasn't accomplished by June 1, Kasich's amendment demanded that the Pentagon spend the remaining $1 billion on moving American troops out of Kosovo.

"This plan represents a fair and realistic timetable for restoring the balance between the U.S. and our allies in funding for Kosovo," Kasich said.

- compiled by staff and wire reports