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Peacekeeping forces

Canadian Soldiers Freed in Bosnia, but Future Uncertain

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Canada's 55 peacekeepers, trapped behind Bosnian Serb lines since November 23, were safely released yesterday, but the government is warning that similar situations could occur again. Defence Minister David Collenette acknowledged that there was no guarantee that Canadian peacekeepers would not be used as pawns again in the future. The Canadian government is set to review the peacekeeping mission in March, and the possibility of a unilateral withdrawal is being considered.

Key Takeaways:

  • 55 Canadian peacekeepers were trapped behind Bosnian Serb lines for 15 days, but were safely released yesterday.
  • Defence Minister David Collenette acknowledged that there was no guarantee that Canadian peacekeepers would not be used as pawns again in the future.
  • The Canadian government is set to review the peacekeeping mission in March, and the possibility of a unilateral withdrawal is being considered.
  • The Prime Minister, Jean Chretien, rejected the Reform Party's call for an immediate and unilateral withdrawal of the 2,000 Canadian troops serving with the UN humanitarian mission in former Yugoslavia.
  • General John de Chastelain, Chief of Defence Staff, reported that morale among the Canadian peacekeepers remains high, and they are proud to be doing useful work in the region.
  • The Canadian peacekeepers are providing essential services in many villages, including keeping two mental hospitals open.
  • The NATO partners are considering redeploying peacekeepers from Bosnia to border areas to prevent the spread of fighting.

Statistics:

  • 55 Canadian peacekeepers were trapped behind Bosnian Serb lines.
  • The peacekeepers were held for 15 days.
  • There are currently 300 peacekeepers from several countries still being held by the Bosnian Serbs.
  • 2,000 Canadian troops are serving with the UN humanitarian mission in former Yugoslavia.
  • 20 of the 55 Canadian peacekeepers were confined in close quarters at an elementary school.

Sources:

  • JEFF SALLOT, Parliamentary Bureau, Ottawa Citizen, "Canadian peacekeepers freed in Bosnia," [no date]
  • CBC Radio correspondent Michael McAuliffe, reporting from Visoko, central Bosnia
  • General John de Chastelain, Chief of Defence Staff
  • Defence Minister David Collenette
  • Prime Minister Jean Chretien
  • Gordon Smith, deputy minister of foreign affairs

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