Bosnia's Peace Accord Faces Hurdles as Civilian Restrains Take Shape

Strategic Insights -

US Defense Secretary William Perry's visit to Sarajevo was overshadowed by the continued detention of up to 16 Bosnians who were promised freedom of movement under the Dayton peace accord. The incident has undermined NATO's optimism about compliance with the agreement, with the Bosnian government blaming the NATO-led force for not protecting civilians, while NATO officials suggest it is a civilian law enforcement problem.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US Defense Secretary, William Perry, visited Sarajevo, but his trip was marred by the ongoing detention of up to 16 Bosnians who were promised freedom of movement under the Dayton peace accord.
  • The Bosnian government blames the NATO-led force for not protecting the civilians, while NATO officials suggest it is a civilian law enforcement problem.
  • The top civilian administrator, Carl Bildt, said the responsibility for ensuring freedom of movement lies with Bosnia's rival factions, not the international community.
  • Only 100 of the international police are currently in Bosnia, and Bildt has to wait for more recruits to arrive to patrol the city.
  • The international police force will be unarmed and will face significant logistical challenges, including a lack of office space and transportation.
  • Bosnian Serb sources claim two of the detainees were arrested while buying meat in the Serb-held suburb of Ilidza, while two others were held after going to check on their old apartments there.

Statistics:

  • Up to 16 Bosnians are being held by Serbs after crossing into Serb-held territory, despite being promised freedom of movement under the Dayton peace accord.
  • Only 100 of the 2,000-strong international police force are currently in Bosnia.
  • The international police force is expected to be fully in place by January 31, but will lack the necessary resources and authority to ensure compliance with the peace accord at the time of their arrival.
  • The Bosnian government claims there are up to 16 detainees, while Serb sources say only three have been released, with others still under investigation.

Sources:

  • Associated Press, "Defense Secretary Perry says Bosnia Detention marred by Visit," January 26, (no date provided)
  • Bosnian government, statement regarding detention of civilians, (no date provided)
  • NATO officials, statement regarding civilian law enforcement, (no date provided)
  • Carl Bildt, statement regarding responsibility for ensuring freedom of movement, January 26, (no date provided)