Bosnia's President Shifts Stance on Arms Embargo as International Protection is Sought

Strategic Insights -

President Alija Izetbegovic of Bosnia has agreed to postpone the lifting of an arms embargo against his country for six months, a significant shift in his stance, in exchange for stronger international protection from the United Nations. This decision follows over three years of demands by the Bosnian Government to import weapons to defend itself against the better-equipped Bosnian Serbs. The move was prompted by a threat from Britain and France to withdraw the United Nations peacekeeping force from Sarajevo and other areas of Bosnia if the embargo was lifted. The Clinton Administration, under pressure from Congress, had planned to ask the Security Council to exempt Bosnia from the arms embargo, but the Bosnian President's new stance is set to alter this plan.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Alija Izetbegovic has agreed to postpone the lifting of an arms embargo against Bosnia for six months in exchange for stronger international protection.
  • This decision marks a significant shift in the Bosnian Government's stance, as they have demanded the right to import weapons to defend against the Bosnian Serbs for over three years.
  • The Clinton Administration, under pressure from Congress, had planned to ask the Security Council to exempt Bosnia from the arms embargo, but the Bosnian President's new stance is set to alter this plan.
  • The United States, Britain, France, Russia, and Germany have been working together through a "contact group" to bring peace to Bosnia, where a third winter of war looms.
  • The Bosnian President has accused the international community of not responding appropriately to the "barbarism" in Bosnia, citing the occupation of 70% of the country, the killing of over 200,000 citizens, and the expulsion of over a million people from their homes.
  • The Bosnian President has also called for a united nations resolution strengthening and expanding "safe haven" areas in Bosnia, including the creation of a demilitarized belt around Sarajevo with guarantees that the city would be reopened to the world.

Statistics:

  • 70% of Bosnia has fallen under occupation.
  • Over 200,000 citizens have been killed.
  • Over a million people have been expelled from their homes.
  • 70% of the country's cities and villages have been destroyed.

Sources:

  • President Alija Izetbegovic's speech to the United Nations General Assembly.
  • Western officials, as cited by unnamed sources.
  • The Clinton Administration's announcement to ask the Security Council to exempt Bosnia from the arms embargo.
  • Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali's report to the Security Council opposing expanding safe havens.
  • The Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Willi Claes' speech to the United Nations General Assembly.