Bosnian Serbs Release 108 UN Peacekeepers as Crisis Resolves

Strategic Insights -

Western powers held off from pursuing an immediate return to NATO air strikes, given the UN troops' vulnerability, as Bosnian Serb leaders predicted further releases of hostages in the coming days. Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic intervened in the crisis, convincing Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic to free the 108 peacekeepers in exchange for a lull in NATO attacks. Milosevic's efforts aim to lift sanctions that have crippled the Serbian economy.

Key Takeaways:

  • 108 UN peacekeepers were released early in the day, with 148 remaining in Bosnian Serb custody.
  • The release was facilitated by Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic's intervention, who convinced Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic to free the hostages in exchange for a lull in NATO air strikes.
  • Western powers have denied any deal over the hostages, but an immediate return to NATO air strikes seems unlikely due to the UN troops' vulnerability.
  • The released hostages were driven by bus towards Belgrade, with Milosevic's head of secret police, Jovica Stanisic, indicating a positive atmosphere among the Bosnian Serbs and their readiness to seek a peaceful solution.
  • Rivalry between Milosevic and Karadzic may have delayed the release of the hostages, with more tough haggling expected to occur before the remaining hostages are freed.
  • Dr. Karadzic had more hostages than he could handle, with some sources suggesting the last batch of hostages would be the most difficult to release.
  • Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Kozyrev stated that Russia would not veto plans for a 10,000-strong rapid-reaction force to protect UN peacekeepers, as long as the troops stayed within their existing peacekeeping mandate.

Statistics:

  • 108 UN peacekeepers were released early in the day.
  • 148 UN peacekeepers remain in Bosnian Serb custody.
  • 10,000 soldiers are planned for the rapid-reaction force to protect UN peacekeepers.

Sources:

  • An independent Serb news agency, Beta.
  • Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Kozyrev.
  • Vreme, the independent Belgrade magazine, citing Dejan Anastasijevic.