Losing Interest

APRIL 1, 1993 "We have a national interest in limiting ethnic cleansing." -- President Clinton

APRIL 16 "I think we have an interest in standing up against the principle of ethnic cleansing ... This is not just about Bosnia." -- Clinton

MAY 1 "There are, of course, issues of conscience and humanitarian concerns ... But fundamentally, our actions are also based on the strategic interests of the United States." -- Secretary of State Warren Christopher, after Clinton agreed in principle to air strikes

MAY 6 "We do have fundamental interests there ... " -- Clinton

JUNE 3 "Bosnia involves our humanitarian concerns, but it does not involve our vital interests ... " -- Christopher

JULY 21 "The United States is doing all it can consistent with our national interest." -- Christopher, on the decision to do nothing about the imminent fall of Sarajevo