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UN Security Council Passes Resolution for European Rapid-Reaction Force in Bosnia

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution adding a European rapid-reaction force to the existing peacekeeping mission in Bosnia. The new force could bring up to 12,500 British, French, and Dutch troops to the 22,500 peacekeepers already in the region. The vote came after a day of uncertainty, with a challenge from Republican leaders in Congress over the cost of the new force causing delays.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council has passed a resolution adding a European rapid-reaction force to the peacekeeping mission in Bosnia, with up to 12,500 British, French, and Dutch troops to be deployed.
  • The resolution leaves open the question of how to pay for the force, with the Clinton Administration's support initially wavering due to concerns from Republican Congressional leaders.
  • The compromise was reached after a meeting of the leaders of seven major industrial nations in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where they also issued a statement calling for a moratorium on the fighting in Bosnia.
  • The French and British delegations pushed for a vote, while the United States stalled in an effort to find language acceptable to Republican Congressional leaders.
  • Senator Bob Dole and Speaker Newt Gingrich demanded language that made clear only countries willing to finance the force would have to do so, and that no automatic financial or military obligations would result for the United States.
  • The new force is expected to cost around $415 million for the first six months, with about a third of the bill normally charged to the United States under the UN system of fixed assessments.
  • President Jacques Chirac of France and President Clinton discussed the proposal, with Chirac stating he would support the force if the US agreed to contribute, but later denying making such a commitment.
  • The US had initially expressed lukewarm support for the new force, saying they would only contribute if their Congress agreed, which may have emboldened lawmakers to refuse to contribute.

Statistics:

  • Up to 12,500 British, French, and Dutch troops will be deployed as part of the new force.
  • The new force is expected to cost around $415 million for the first six months.
  • About one-third of the bill would normally be charged to the United States under the UN system of fixed assessments.
  • The US has 22,500 peacekeepers already in the region.

Sources:

  • "UN Security Council Passes Resolution on Bosnia" (The New York Times)
  • "Clinton, Dole and Gingrich Meet to Discuss Bosnia" (The New York Times)
  • "Bosnia Peace Effort Delayed by US, Europe" (The Washington Post)
  • "Statement by Leaders of Seven Major Industrial Nations in Halifax, Nova Scotia" (United Nations)

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