Sign in Subscribe
Soldiers

Bosnia, Serbia, and Croatia Sign Peace Agreement in Paris Amid Ongoing Violence

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Leaders of Bosnia, Serbia, and Croatia signed a peace agreement today in Paris, marking a significant step towards ending the conflict in the region, despite ongoing violence in Bosnia. The agreement, facilitated by President Clinton, calls for the deployment of 60,000 NATO peacekeeping troops and the commitment of hundreds of millions of dollars to rebuild the country. However, the deal also ratifies the ethnic division of Bosnia, dividing the territory between Government and Croatian forces on one side and Serbs on the other.

Key Takeaways:

  • The peace agreement, signed by Presidents Alija Izetbegovic of Bosnia, Slobodan Milosevic of Serbia, and Franjo Tudjman of Croatia, establishes Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single country with international borders, but divides the territory into two sub-entities, with about half governed by a Bosnian-Croatian federation and half by a Bosnian Serb republic.
  • The agreement aims to rebuild the country, with ambitious targets for rapid elections, repatriation of displaced people, compensation for property losses, protection of human rights, and economic rebuilding.
  • President Clinton has committed American soldiers to the NATO force, despite opposition from Congress and his own campaign for re-election.
  • The agreement establishes an elected group presidency and a national currency, but the Bosnian Muslims and Croats will have to cooperate with each other, and the Serbs may choose to secede and join the Serbian motherland.
  • The plan also includes a provision for the exchange of ambassadors between Bosnia and Serbia within 60 days, as well as the recognition of Bosnia's sovereignty by the Serb-dominated Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
  • The agreement has been criticized for its potential to create a divided Bosnia and for the role of international forces in maintaining stability in the region.

Statistics:

  • 60,000 NATO peacekeeping troops will be deployed to Bosnia
  • Hundreds of millions of dollars will be committed to rebuild the country
  • Over 1 million people have been forced from their homes in Bosnia
  • 20,000 American troops will be stationed in northern Bosnia by February
  • France has lost 56 soldiers in Bosnia
  • The United Nations and other groups will take on tasks such as rebuilding the economy and resettling refugees

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "Clinton Signs Accord in Paris"
  • The New York Times, "Extract from Speeches"
  • Reuters, "Leaders of Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia Meet in Paris to Sign Peace Accord"
  • Various other sources, including news articles and speeches.

Read more