More than a Truce

Slobodan Milosevic informed the public that, as for Serbia, there is not a single controversial point concerning the plan of Mr. Vance. Franjo Tudjman confirmed that Croatia has given its consent for the arrival of the peace-keeping troops, and general Veljko Kadijevic said that the Army will respect in full all the decisions of the Federal Presidency. On the last day of 1991, shortly before midnight, Borisav Jovic (Federal Presidency member) reported on the conclusions of the incomplete Presidency - "As far as the Federal Presidency and the part of Yugoslavia which is still under its control are concerned, there are no obstacles to implementation of the peace plan of the United Nations".

Are the crazed Yugoslav tribes threatened by peace? Will this year see the realization of our common New Year's wish - peace? After 14 cease-fire violations so far, why should this one be any different? To what extent are Milosevic, Tudjman and Kadijevic capable - providing they wish it sincerely - of controlling and restraining all their allies? The truce and the peace most certainly do not suit the local "heroes". Where would they be without war? Apart from a few exceptions who have earlier proved to be hit men and criminals, a huge crowd of the private armies' soldiers would become completely anonymous and - left without work.

These facts represent one of the most serious threats to this ultimate, fifteenth truce.

We are not dealing with a new Vance's peace plan here, but with the consent of all the parties involved and the guarantees that the Geneva Agreement, signed on November 23, 1991, will be respected and implemented.

The zones where the "blue helmets" would be positioned must be totally demilitarized. We already know the details concerning their number and position. Although the final decision lies in the hands of the UN Security Council, there were rumours about ten infantry battalions with around 10.000 soldiers. The possible arrival of 500 policemen has also been discussed. Their role would be to control the activities of the local police. The peace plan also includes around 100 monitors, who would be positioned along the Bosnian border.