HOUSE VOTES TO LIFT ARMS BOSNIAN ARMS EMBARGO

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"How many more atrocities do we have to witness?" asked David Bonior (D-Mich) in arguing for a U.S. lifting of the arms embargo on Bosnia. On an overwhelming vote of 298-128, the House agreed, brushing aside fears that such a move could Americanize the war or lead to a preemptive slaughter of Bosnia's Muslims. The margin is enough to override President Clinton's promised veto, and comes just days after the Senate approved a similar measure. Although support for the resolution was high,TIME World Editor James Collinssays the vote was chiefly an expression of dissatisfaction with President Clinton's Bosnia policy, and may not be veto-proof. "If it comes right down to it, a lot of Democrats will switch rather than embarrass their president." Under the plan, the embargo would be lifted after withdrawal of U.N. troops now on the ground or within 12 weeks of a request by the Bosnian government.