Protect Bosnia's election

It is abundantly clear that there will not be ideal conditions for free and fair national elections in Bosnia come September. It is equally apparent that the United States and other countries with troops in Bosnia have no desire to postpone that election date. Delay would mean that NATO would have to end its military mission without elections or postpone its withdrawal until next year or later.

So it was not surprising to hear Secretary of State Warren Christopher declare on Sunday that the voting will proceed on schedule. Encouragingly, Christopher also said that NATO would use the next three and a half months to improve election conditions by more aggressively looking for those indicted as war criminals and more decisively acting to assure civilians the freedom of movement the Dayton peace agreement promised.

What Christopher promises is appropriate, achievable and essential to the success of the Dayton agreement. The American public will judge success in Bosnia not just by whether President Clinton withdraws U.S. troops on schedule and with minimal casualties, but also by whether their presence helps Bosnia overcome its divisions and prepare for a more tolerant and peaceful future.

-- The New York Times