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United Nations

France and NATO Allies Renew Diplomatic Efforts Amid Bosnian Crisis

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

French President Jacques Chirac authorized French troops to shoot back if they were attacked again, amid a pitched battle between French peacekeepers and Bosnian Serbs. The French government did not repeat earlier threats to withdraw its three battalions from Bosnia, but instead renewed diplomatic efforts to stop the violence. The Bosnian Serbs began taking United Nations troops hostage on Friday as leverage against further NATO air strikes, and Russia sent Foreign Minister Andrei V. Kozyrev and Defense Minister Pavel S. Grachev to the Balkans to try to broker a cease-fire.

Key Takeaways:

  • French President Jacques Chirac authorized his troops to shoot back if they were attacked again, a significant escalation of French involvement in the conflict.
  • The French government did not repeat earlier threats to withdraw its three battalions from Bosnia, instead renewing diplomatic efforts to stop the violence.
  • The Bosnian Serbs took United Nations troops hostage on Friday, prompting a response from the international community.
  • Russia sent a delegation to the Balkans to try to broker a cease-fire, with Foreign Minister Andrei V. Kozyrev and Defense Minister Pavel S. Grachev meeting with leaders on both sides.
  • NATO ambassadors met in emergency session to discuss a response to the crisis, including the use of NATO helicopters to resupply and transport United Nations peacekeepers.
  • The United Nations Secretary General, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, stated that Mr. Chirac had told him that without a stronger mandate, France could eventually be forced to withdraw.
  • French officials, including Admiral Jacques Lanxade, emphasized the need for a stronger mandate and additional military muscle for the United Nations peacekeepers.
  • The United States has agreed to send up to half of a force of 40,000 to 50,000 NATO troops to help the United Nations peacekeepers in Bosnia get out safely if they do decide to withdraw.

Statistics:

  • 220 United Nations troops were surrounded or held as human shields by the Bosnian Serbs.
  • Over 150 French troops were among the 220 surrounded or held as human shields.
  • 3,800 soldiers from France are currently stationed in Bosnia.
  • 22,500 United Nations peacekeepers are currently stationed in Bosnia.
  • 40,000 to 50,000 NATO troops could be sent to aid the United Nations peacekeepers in a potential withdrawal.

Sources:

  • New York Times, "French and U.S. Weigh Military Options in Bosnia Conflict"
  • Itar-Tass, "Russia Deploys Peace Mission to Bosnia"
  • White House Press Release, "Statement by President Clinton on Bosnia"
  • NATO Press Release, "NATO Ambassadors Meet in Emergency Session"
  • United Nations Press Release, "Secretary General Calls for Ceasefire in Bosnia"

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