Chretien Backs French Initiatives on NATO and Bosnian Peace Process

Strategic Insights -

Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien has expressed support for French initiatives to strengthen NATO's stance on Bosnia and back a new European peace process. Emerging from a meeting with French President Francois Mitterrand, Mr. Chretien emphasized the need for instruments of peacemaking rather than peacekeeping in the conflict-torn region. He hinted that Canada's troop commitment in Bosnia could be escalated, stating that "if I come out with a position, it won't be a debate because I represent the government."

Mr. Chretien's comments suggest a shift in his government's stance on the conflict, which had previously considered pulling troops out. He also echoed the increasingly hawkish tone emanating from Paris, particularly the French initiative to have NATO prove its post-Cold War relevance by showing muscle in the Balkans. This plan, not yet unveiled, aims to provide a new framework for negotiating a peace process in Bosnia backed by a realistic threat of NATO action to either enforce or impose a settlement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prime Minister Jean Chretien expressed support for French initiatives to strengthen NATO's stance on Bosnia and back a new European peace process.
  • Mr. Chretien emphasized the need for instruments of peacemaking rather than peacekeeping in the conflict-torn region of Bosnia.
  • He hinted that Canada's troop commitment in Bosnia could be escalated, stating that "if I come out with a position, it won't be a debate because I represent the government."
  • Mr. Chretien's comments suggest a shift in his government's stance on the conflict, which had previously considered pulling troops out.
  • The French initiative aims to provide a new framework for negotiating a peace process in Bosnia backed by a realistic threat of NATO action to either enforce or impose a settlement.

Statistics:

  • Canada has the third-largest troop commitment to the former Yugoslavia, after France and Britain.
  • The UN has estimated that over 200,000 people have been killed in the Bosnian conflict since 1992.
  • NATO warplanes patrol Bosnian skies daily, with air strikes threatened months ago to stop Serbian gunners from shelling Sarajevo's civilian population.

Sources:

  • Byline: Paul Koring, Paris, FRANCE -- By Paul Koring, European Bureau with Canadian Press
  • Associated with: Canadian Press