NATO eyes Bosnia cuts

SFOR: Possible cuts through "reorganisation and rationalisation"

BRUSSELS, France -- NATO chiefs are looking at reducing the alliance's presence in Bosnia.

But Secretary General George Robertson added NATO would not make cuts that could compromise security in the country.

No final decision on any reduction in troop numbers is expected until a review of security in Bosnian is carried out.

U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has suggested that the Bosnian Stabilisation Force (SFOR) -- which has kept the peace in Bosnia since its 1992-95 war -- be cut by 6,000 soldiers from the current 18,000.

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Robertson said on Wednesday: "NATO forces still have a vital and continuing role to play. We remain absolutely committed to a safe and secure environment in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

"It is possible that some reduction can be made, partly through a rationalisation and reorganisation but no decisions have been taken.

"We went in together, we are succeeding together and we will leave together. (That) remains the principle."

Robertson was speaking to reporters after meeting Wolfgang Petritsch, the international high representative in Bosnia, where plans to scale down NATO's presence has provoked unease.

Petritsch said he was reassured that NATO remained committed to keeping peace in Bosnia and that any cuts would be made in consultation with his administration.

The Bosnian war claimed about 200,000 lives, and many Bosnian Muslims, Serbs and Croats see NATO troops as a guarantee that the conflict will not erupt again.

The peace force also provides support for international officials trying to foster inter-ethnic cooperation.