By Signe K. Skinion

Southern Illinois Democratic officials at the national and state level are divided in their feelings on President Clinton’s recent decision to deploy US troops to Bosnia, but all hope for the best for the soldiers.

Sen. Paul Simon, D-Ill., said the move into Bosnia is needed to protect U.S. interests, and the President needs full support on this decision.

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The President is showing the leadership that the world expects from the United States, Simon said. He deserves bi-partisan support for this task. If we don’t make this effort to restore stability, the war in Bosnia will spread and will represent a long-term security threat to our national interests.

Rep. Richard Durbin, D-Edwardsville, said as of right now he is against the involvement of US troops in Bosnia, but is open to hearing the full plans of the mission.

First, I am not sure there is a legitimate US interest, it is more of a European interest, Durbin said. Second, I have seen some of these military missions fail, and I want to be satisfied this military mission is completely thought out.

Durbin said the only way he will be satisfied with the mission is if he sees all the plans.

I will spend the next two weeks trying to learn everything about this mission, Durbin said. Basically, they will close the door and call it top secret. They’ll turn off the lights, and bring out the maps and charts to explain the basics of the mission.

Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Belleville, said he appreciates Clinton’s decision, but disagrees on the involvement of the troops once in Bosnia.

I am not in favor of putting US troops on the ground in Bosnia, Costello said. I believe the ground belongs to the European community, not us. We should be playing a supportive role for NATO, but that support should not include sending our troops to Bosnia to be on the ground.

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Rep. Glenn Poshard, D-Marion, said he will be holding off his decision on whether or not to back Clinton’s plan until more details are made known.

The President did not get specific in regards to the plan itself perhaps he couldn’t tonight (Monday) but I’m going to hold reservations of my support until the time that I get to see the plan itself, Poshard said. I want to see the mission defined with respect to how we go in there, what our role is one we’re there, and what kind of exit strategy is available if the mission should falter.

All four officials said they are fearful for the loss of American lives in Bosnia.

The toughest assignment I’ve had in all my years in this job has been attending the funerals of a Marine killed in the Beirut barracks bombing and a Marine killed in the Persian Gulf War, Durbin said. The last thing anyone wants, especially myself, is to be attending the funeral of one of our troops killed in Bosnia.