Written Answers. - Bosnian Conflict.
Martin Cullen
Question:
13
Mr. Cullen
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs
Ireland's policy in relation to recent shelling and armoured attacks on UN safe haven areas in Bosnia/Herzegovina; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Liz O'Donnell
Question:
25
Ms O'Donnell
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs
Ireland's policy in relation to recent shelling and armoured attacks on UN safe haven areas in Bosnia/Hercegovina; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:
47
Mr. Rabbitte
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs
the Government's position on the recent air strike by NATO aircraft against Serbian positions and the implications of this development for a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Bosnia; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:
53
Mr. Deenihan
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs
Ireland's position on the air strikes on save havens in Bosnia.
Phil Hogan
Question:
73
Mr. Hogan
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs
Ireland's position on the air strikes on safe havens in Bosnia.
Nora Owen
Question:
76
Mrs. Owen
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs
Ireland's position on the air strikes on safe havens in Bosnia.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 25, 47, 53, 73 and 76 together.
In my reply to questions on 2 March I outlined the three essential aims which we are pursuing in our policy on former Yugoslavia: to maintain and develop the search for a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Bosnia on the basis of the European Union's peace plan; to prevent the spread of the conflict, and to ensure the supply and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the victims.
These aims continue to guide the Government's overall approach to the crisis.
The horrific events which have unfolded at Gorazde in recent days have shocked the international community. This assault on a small town, where some 65,000 people have huddled for protection, is an affront to human dignity. It is a further flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, examples of which we have witnessed all so frequently in Bosnia for over two years.
Gorazde was designated a safe area by United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 824 in May 1993. The use of air power at safe areas under the authority of the United Nations was provided for in the subsequent Resolution No. 836 adopted by the Security Council in June 1993.
The close air support provided by NATO forces at Gorazde was undertaken at the request of UNPROFOR and with the full authority of the Secretary-General of the United Nations acting under the mandate from the Security Council. In advance of the action, clear and unambiguous warnings were repeatedly given to the Bosnian Serbs to cease their onslaught. As I indicated to Deputies in response to questions on 27 January, decisions to use force including air power to achieve the very specific objectives of Security Council resolutions raise difficult and complex questions. I believe that the Secretary General's decision to authorise close air support in defence of UN personnel was taken after giving due weight to all the factors involved. Those Bosnian Serb commanders who defied the appeals and warnings of the international community bear the responsibility for the action taken.
It is deplorable that the Bosnian Serbs continued their actions against Gorazde, inflicting high casualties on its population and threatening the lives of UN personnel who, courageously, remained in the town. Their actions are a substantial setback for the peace process. They are particularly disheartening, given that much progress had been made in the peace process recently.
The fighting between Bosnian Croats and Muslims in central Bosnia — the major conflict area for over nine months — has been brought to an end. Both parties have agreed to establish a Croat-Muslim federation in Bosnia. In Croatia, a ceasefire was agreed last months and forces are withdrawing from the confrontation lines.
In Bosnia, the vital issues of the delimitation of the Croat-Muslim federation, as well as the future relationship between this federation and the Bosnian-Serb territory, remain to be determined. These questions can be resolved only by negotiations conducted in good faith by all of the parties.
The recent events at Gorazde have given rise to questions in some quarters as to whether the United Nations should continue to be engaged in Bosnia. It is clear that the United Nations has not been able to achieve all of its objectives. It would be the ultimate tragedy if, following events at Gorazde, despair should precipitate a withdrawal of the United Nations peacekeeping force. However difficult and frustrating the process may be, the presence of the United Nations in Bosnia is vital to create the climate for negotiations and to provide desperately needed aid, not least in Gorazde, whose inhabitants are threatened by an appalling humanitarian crisis.
The European Union which co-chairs the international conference on former Yugoslavia, is fully engaged in the search for peace. European Union member states are contributing some 15,000 personnel to UNPROFOR. A valuable contribution is also being made to a peaceful settlement by the 200 EC monitors in the EC monitor mission. Some 65 per cent of the total cost of the humanitarian operation in former Yugoslavia has been provided by the EU and its member states. The European Union has also agreed in principle to administer the town of Mostar for a two year period, a major contribution to therapprochement between Bosnia's Croats and Muslims.
For Ireland's part, we will continue our efforts to promote the essential objectives I have outlined, through our participation in the international conference on former Yugoslavia and our participation in UNPROFOR and in the EC monitor mission. We are also providing help for the victims of the conflict and support the work of the international tribunal which has been established to prosecute the perpetrators of war crimes. We will also continue our support for the vigorous implementation of the sanctions against Serbia and Montenegro.
Along with our European Union partners we are fully engaged in the search for an overall settlement for Bosnia. Our aim is a comprehensive and durable peace for that country and the region. What has been achieved in recent weeks must not be lost. A ceasefire at Gorazde is now essential. This should be built upon and extended throughout Bosnia. European Union Foreign Ministers, in Luxembourg on 18 April, demanded an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, the withdrawal of Bosnian Serbs from the vicinity of Gorazde, and the lifting of all obstructions which have been placed in UNPROFOR's path.
Ministers also called for an intensive and co-ordinated effort by the international community, involving the European Union, the United Nations, the United States and Russia, to relaunch the negotiations on the basis of the European Union plan of action which has been accepted by all of the parties.
A settlement cannot be imposed on Bosnia. The Bosnian Serbs, in particular must return to the negotiating table to arrive at a solution through negotiation. Failure to do so will condemn them and Serbia to isolation in Europe.
I understand that a ceasefire at Gorazde was negotiated early this morning. This provided for the deployment of some 140 UNPROFOR personnel, troops to the left bank of the Drina river and United Nations military observers throughout the town. It was hoped it would facilitate the delivery of vital humanitarian assistance. However, my latest information indicates that the Serb shelling against Gorazde is continuing and that it has not yet been possible to deploy the UNPROFOR personnel. An effective ceasefire and the immediate deployment of United Nations troops is absolutely essential in Gorazde. The Government is fully supportive of the ongoing UN efforts to bring this about.
I reported yesterday evening to the Dáil on the whereabouts and welfare of the two Irish citizens who are trapped in Gorazde and my direct approach to Bosnian Serb leader, Dr. Karadzic concerning their safety. My latest information is that Dr. McLoughlin and Mr. O'Dwyer are safe. It is hoped that the ceasefire, which the United Nations is working strenuously to put in place, will permit UNHCR staff to reach Gorazde and those who wish to leave to do so in safety.
