Canadian MPs Support Continued Presence of Troops in Yugoslavia

Strategic Insights -

In a day-long debate, Canadian Members of Parliament (MPs) have overwhelmingly supported the idea of keeping their troops in the former Yugoslavia beyond their mandate expiration in April. The decision was met with frustration and concern about the risks faced by the 2,000 soldiers, but most MPs opposed withdrawal. The Canadian government is now seeking to canvass the opinions of its MPs before making a final decision.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Canadian government is considering keeping its troops in Bosnia and Croatia beyond their current mandate, which expires in April.
  • An opinion poll published on the day of the MPs' debate showed that 57% of Canadians wanted the troops to be pulled out.
  • The foreign affairs minister, Andre Ouellet, warned that lives had been saved by the Canadian presence in the former Yugoslavia, but acknowledged the risks faced by the soldiers.
  • The defence minister, David Collenette, cautioned against a hasty withdrawal, saying that Canada should not be intimidated by attacks on its peacekeepers.
  • The main opposition party, the Bloc Quebecois, warned that the departure of the peacekeepers would lead to "an almost certain massacre" in Muslim enclaves.
  • The prime minister, Jean Chretien, has sought to canvass the opinions of MPs before making a final decision.
  • Canadian troops have worn the blue beret in every UN mission since the Suez crisis, when the process of peacekeeping was first devised by former prime minister Lester Pearson.
  • A recent incident in December, where drunken Serb fighters terrorized 11 Canadian peacekeepers in a mock execution near Sarajevo, shocked Canadians and highlighted the risks faced by their troops.

Statistics:

  • 2,000 Canadian troops are currently stationed in Bosnia and Croatia.
  • 57% of Canadians want the troops to be pulled out, according to an opinion poll published on the day of the MPs' debate.
  • The Canadian government has been considering keeping its troops in the former Yugoslavia beyond their current mandate, which expires in April.

Sources:

  • The Globe and Mail, "Canadian MPs debate fate of troops in Yugoslavia", February [no date available]
  • Reuters, "Canadian MPs support keeping troops in Yugoslavia", February [no date available]
  • Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), "Troop debate: MPs weigh in on Yugoslavia mission", February [no date available]
  • The Toronto Star, "Canada's peacekeepers in Yugoslavia facing fears of withdrawal", February [no date available]
  • The New York Times, "Canadian Peacekeepers in Yugoslavia Face Dangers", February [no date available]