U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James B. Foley, Acting Spokesman
August 24, 1998

SECRETARY ALBRIGHT'S TRAVEL TO CROATIA, BOSNIA, RUSSIA AND AUSTRIA

Secretary Albright will travel to Europe beginning August 29, stopping in Croatia, Bosnia, Moscow and Austria before returning to the United States on September 3.

In Croatia, the Secretary plans to meet with President Tudjman, Foreign Minister Granic, and other senior government officials. She will also be meeting with opposition leaders and members of independent media in Croatia.

Secretary Albright will then travel to Bosnia to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the holding of free, fair and democratic elections on September 12-13. She plans to have a number of meetings with key officials to discuss progress on Dayton implementation, including vital issues such as refugee returns.

The Secretary will then join President Clinton in Moscow for his summit meeting with President Yeltsin. The purpose of the trip is to underscore American commitment to the U.S.-Russia bilateral relationship and to review the numerous multilateral issues that concern both our nations.

While in Austria, the Secretary plans to meet with Austrian Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Wolfgang Schuessel, Chancellor Viktor Klima, and President Thomas Klestil. This visit will encompass bilateral consultations on regional and international issues of interest to both governments, as well as a ministerial meeting in the context of Austria's Presidency of the European Union.