The things that keep him in power and enable him to inflict the kind of pain he does on his own people and others in the region.

I think, clearly, he is trying to lure us into a possible shoot-down situation, and we are taking every measure to prevent that.

The danger here is, I don't see a lot of viability in the opposition groups.

That decentralization was done so they insured they had control, ... I think it was done more for internal reasons and internal military problems they thought they might have than for any military preparations they had for us.

Service rivalry leads to service pride, which is good for building morale and esprit.

I think both sides have suffered far too much in the last months, and I think it's time for a change.

I sense everyone is committed to get out of this terrible situation. I think in the next few days we can start on my mission and the implementation of the plan that we've brought.

A cease-fire is what we need to get to something more comprehensive and lasting.

I'm convinced both sides made a commitment to this, and we have made a commitment to help in this process, and I think it's important for everyone on all sides -- all citizens -- to commit to this.