U.N. Peace Mediator Raises Concerns of Croatian Troop Involvement in Bosnia-Herzegovina Conflict

Strategic Insights -

The U.N. peace mediator, Thorvald Stoltenberg, has expressed concerns about possible Croatian troop involvement in the ethnic conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Stoltenberg stated that he received information from the U.N. Protection Force (UNPROFOR) suggesting that Croatian troops may be present in Bosnia-Herzegovina. This news has sparked controversy, with some U.N. members believing that Croatia has reinforced Bosnian-Croats with up to 5,000 troops. However, UNPROFOR has denied having evidence to support these claims, and Croatian officials have rejected the accusations, stating that only volunteers are fighting in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Key Takeaways:

  • U.N. peace mediator Thorvald Stoltenberg has raised concerns about possible Croatian troop involvement in the Bosnia-Herzegovina conflict.
  • Stoltenberg received information from UNPROFOR suggesting that Croatian troops may be present in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
  • Some U.N. members believe that Croatia has sent up to 5,000 troops to support Bosnian Croats.
  • UNPROFOR officials deny having evidence to support claims of Croatian troop involvement.
  • Croatian officials reject the accusations, stating that only volunteers are fighting in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
  • The Bosnian government has complained to the U.N. Security Council about the alleged involvement of Croatian and Serbian troops.
  • The U.N. Security Council has dispatched observers to monitor trade embargo against Serbia, but not to monitor troop movement.

Statistics:

  • 5,000: The number of troops believed by some U.N. members to have been sent by Croatia to support Bosnian Croats.
  • 2,000: The number of "Croatian volunteers" opposing Muslim-led government units in central Bosnia, according to Croatian Army commander Gen. Janko Bobetko.
  • 15: The number of countries represented on the U.N. Security Council.

Sources:

  • "U.N. peace mediator raises concern over possible Croatian troop involvement in Bosnia" (Associated Press)
  • "Croatia denies sending troops to Bosnia" (Reuters)
  • "U.N. officials deny evidence of Croatian troop involvement" (Agence France-Presse)