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Soldiers

Turkish President Demirel Reiterates Commitment to Peace in Bosnia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Turkish President Suleyman Demirel emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in Bosnia, reiterating that his troops would not seek to create quarrels with Serbs. Speaking at a joint press conference in Bucharest with Romanian President Ion Iliescu, Demirel stated that the Turkish peacekeeping force's primary objective is to maintain peace, not to engage in conflict. The United Nations Security Council recently voted in favor of sending 2,700 Turkish troops to Bosnia-Herzegovina, despite Greece's opposition, citing concerns that the deployment might escalate tensions in the Balkans.

Key Takeaways:

  • Turkish President Suleyman Demirel has reiterated that his country's peacekeeping troops in Bosnia will focus on maintaining peace, rather than seeking to create conflict with Serbs.
  • The United Nations Security Council has approved the deployment of 2,700 Turkish troops to Bosnia-Herzegovina, with Greece being the only country to oppose the decision.
  • Demirel expressed surprise at Greece's opposition, highlighting that both countries are members of the United Nations and should uphold the Security Council's authority.
  • Romanian President Ion Iliescu emphasized that any peacekeeping force under the United Nations mandate operates to maintain peace, not to engage in conflict with local populations.
  • Greece invoked a U.N. provision opposing the involvement of states with historical ties to the conflict area in sending peacekeepers to Bosnia.
  • The Turkish Empire expanded into Bosnia-Herzegovina in the 15th century, introducing Islam to the local Slavic population.

Statistics:

  • 2,700: Number of Turkish troops approved for deployment to Bosnia-Herzegovina by the United Nations Security Council.
  • 1: Number of countries opposing the UN decision, Greece.
  • 15th century: Time period during which the Turkish Empire invaded Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Sources:

  • Turkish President Suleyman Demirel's statement at a joint press conference in Bucharest with Romanian President Ion Iliescu.
  • United Nations Security Council resolution approving the deployment of 2,700 Turkish troops to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
  • Romanian President Ion Iliescu's comments at the joint press conference.

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