History 25/02/20 Photo: EPA PHOTO EPA/ELVIS BARUKCICЗа that the commander of NATO forces in the Yugoslav war drove the army
Early retirement in 2000, commander-in-chief of the United NATO forces in Europe, General Wesley Clark, at the time caused a lot of controversy and speculation. In the end it turned out that Clark is “lost” on their actions in the Yugoslav war, including and because of their attitude to the Russian peacekeepers paratroopers, seized in one night in June 1999 of the Pristina airport “Slatina”.
It is not considered a professional
General Wesley Clark to Kosovo war was considered in America as one of the most authoritative representatives of the generals of the US armed forces – Vietnam veteran, holder of Bronze and Silver stars for participating in this campaign, was wounded in the battle, but continued to command his soldiers… kontratakuje the Posts of commander-in-chief of the United NATO forces in Europe and acting commander of the European command of US armed forces, he served almost 3 years, from July 1997 to may 2000. As he wrote in 1999, “the new York times,” Clark has decided to release from these posts two months before the official term of office expires.
the Newspaper “Kommersant”, citing a source in the defense Ministry of Russia reported that Russian generals “undisguised satisfied” with information about the resignation of Clark: in the armed forces of the Russian Federation the General is not quoted as a high professional, and his radicalism in the Kosovo war were considered not justified. Clark ordered the bombing of Yugoslavia by NATO aircraft, they during the operation “allied force” lasted from late March to 10 June 1999, and according to Yugoslav estimates, killed more than 2 thousand civilians, more than 5 thousand people were injured.
“I’m not going for you to start a Third world war”
the Confrontation with Wesley Clark, the commander of British peacekeepers in Kosovo, General Michael Jackson, who de jure had to obey a higher commander, but did not, called one of the most widely discussed reasons for the termination of his military career Clark. British diary The Daily Telegraph called this conflict “staged confrontation”.
This story actively commented on the publication of the Central USA and great Britain (and the British media clearly supported the act of a countryman), and the Pentagon in their official review was called a sticky situation with the insubordination of Jackson Clark “disturbing”.
on the night of 11 to 12 June 1999, the consolidated battalion airborne Russian armed forces, were part of the peacekeeping forces stationed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, occupied the airport near Pristina. Edition of the “new York times” reported that the Russian unexpectedly intercepted the NATO initiative: international airport “Slatina” NATO troops were going to capture themselves, to make their ground units in the direction of Macedonia after the end of operation “allied force”. Russia was against the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia and, on the basis of the official comment of the foreign Ministry, occupation airborne “Slatina” has become for our country a part of the process of strengthening its own geopolitical interests in the Balkan region.
Wesley Clark, wrote “the new York times,” ordered Jackson using armored vehicles to repel the Russian airfield. The Chairman of the joint chiefs of staff Henry Shelton said in comments the newspaper that Clark wanted to block the airport that the Russians are unable to use it. Jackson in response to the order uttered the phrase, publicized in 1999, dozens of the world’s media: “I’m not going for you to start a Third world war.” And did not obey Clark.
the act of the British caused a stir at the Pentagon, officials didn’t know how his “right” to comment. In the end decided that the airport is not worth the split among the military leadership of NATO. “The British generals defended the position of his compatriotand, while General Henry Shelton actually allowed to cancel the orders of General Clark”, commented, “new York times” this situation, Pentagon spokesman. And in the same publication one of the most respected American print media descended on Clark (in 1999 still held both posts) with sharp criticism: according to the newspaper, during the 10-week operation “allied force” he had resolutely insisted on a more active use of the Apache helicopters, and generally to regulate the relationship with the Pentagon, which General Wesley Clark in the Kosovo war clashed repeatedly.
has been Replaced with another
British “guardian” commented that in 1999, information on the early resignation of Wesley Clark spoke more specifically than the “new York times”: as reported by the newspaper, the decision on early resignation of Clark was made a few days before his conflict with Jackson – commander of the shrew just wants to replace General Joseph Ralston, Vice Henry Shelton. Clark, according to the Pentagon, “preferred the more aggressive tactics”, insist on the use of attack helicopters “Apache”, but it rejected the proposal, fearing a large number of victims among the pilots (one “Apache” during the operation “allied force” was wrecked, two crew members were killed).
“Laridian” wrote that Clark’s orders were ignored not only by Jackson: after the rebellion the British did not obey the American General and commander of NATO forces in southern Europe, James Ellis, whom Clark had asked to land the helicopters on the runway “Slatina” to prevent the landing of Russian transport aircraft “Il”. However, Admiral Ellis also refused to execute the order, stating that “General Jackson will not like it”.
… After retirement in 2000, Wesley Clark was actively involved in politics, even ran for President of the United States. However, his political career did not. Clark is the author of two autobiographical books about his military past.
Nicholas Syromyatnikov
Source:
© Russian Seven
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