"We acted swiftly and forcefully against ethnic cleansing," he said. "We have within our grasp today the chance to build a Europe that is democratic and peaceful--that chance should not be squandered."

"The new administration should not even hint at leaving Bosnia or Kosovo prematurely," he added.

During the question-and-answer period, many audience members raised questions about the policy in Kosovo, particularly regarding the administration's willingness--or lack thereof--to remove extremists from power.

"I do think we have to work out a relationship between Kosovo and a democratic Serbia" Berger replied. "We have to be very firm with militant Kosovars who are trying to stir up trouble in Kosovo and Macedonia."