Hopes of Early End to Hostage Crisis in Bosnia

Strategic Insights -

A group of 108 United Nations peacekeepers, including 17 British soldiers, was released by the Bosnian Serbs last night and crossed the border into Serbia, bringing fresh hopes of an early end to the hostage crisis. The release was facilitated by Jovica Stanisic, the head of Serbia's secret police, who was sent by President Slobodan Milosevic to secure their release. Stanisic stated that there was a positive atmosphere among the Bosnian Serbs, indicating a willingness to search for a peaceful solution to Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Key Takeaways:

  • 108 United Nations peacekeepers were released in two buses at about 1am local time, with 17 being British soldiers.
  • The released hostages were taken to the Serbian town of Novi Sad, 30 miles north of the capital Belgrade.
  • Jovica Stanisic, the head of Serbia's secret police, played a key role in facilitating the release, stating that the Bosnian Serbs have reacted positively to the request of President Milosevic.
  • The freeing of the hostages was delayed due to rivalry between Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic and President Milosevic over who should take credit.
  • The release was also influenced by President Milosevic's desire to have sanctions against his country lifted, with the goal of gaining international recognition for his work on the hostage releases.
  • The fate of the remaining hostages is uncertain, with a spokesman for the Bosnian Serb army demanding guarantees of no further air raids before all hostages are handed over.
  • The potential for the use of hostages as leverage to prevent the UN from opening a new supply route to Sarajevo is a concern, as stated by Bosnian Serb leader Karadzic.

Statistics:

  • 108 United Nations peacekeepers were released.
  • 17 British soldiers were among the released hostages.
  • 60 Ukrainians, 20 French, and a Spanish soldier were also released.
  • The released hostages were taken to Novi Sad, 30 miles north of Belgrade.

Sources:

  • The Guardian
  • Belgrade radio
  • Vreme, the independent Belgrade magazine