Second, by expressing the United States' unyielding refusal to "reward" any Yugoslav republics that might unilaterally declare their sovereignty -- while emphasizing the importance of preserving Yugoslavia's "territorial integrity" -- the West sent another powerful, if subliminal, signal to Belgrade: The central, Serbian-dominated authorities there were encouraged to maintain control throughout the country, no matter what the cost.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy