21.3 International intervention and peace agreements

International intervention played a crucial role in ending the Balkan Wars. UN peacekeepers, NATO airstrikes, and diplomatic efforts led to peace agreements like the Dayton Accords. These actions halted the violence and laid the groundwork for post-conflict reconstruction.

Peace agreements and international tribunals sought to bring stability and justice to the region. The Dayton Accords divided Bosnia, while the ICTY prosecuted war criminals. EU integration efforts aimed to promote long-term peace and economic development in the former Yugoslav republics.

UN and NATO Interventions

UN Peacekeeping Efforts

Top images from around the web for UN Peacekeeping Efforts

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Top images from around the web for UN Peacekeeping Efforts

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  Srebrenica masacre memorial | Srebrenica, Bosnia | aiva. | Flickr View original

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  21st Anniversary of a Crime in Heart of Europe View original

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  Srebrenica massacre - Wikipedia View original

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  Srebrenica masacre memorial | Srebrenica, Bosnia | aiva. | Flickr View original

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  21st Anniversary of a Crime in Heart of Europe View original

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• United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) deployed in 1992 to Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
• UNPROFOR mandated to create safe areas for civilians in conflict zones (Sarajevo, Tuzla, Žepa, Goražde, Bihać, and Srebrenica)
• Peacekeepers faced significant challenges due to limited resources and unclear mandate
• UNPROFOR struggled to prevent atrocities, including the Srebrenica massacre in 1995

NATO Military Operations

• NATO launched Operation Deliberate Force in 1995 against Bosnian Serb forces
• Air campaign targeted key military infrastructure and command centers
• NATO bombing campaign lasted from August 30 to September 20, 1995
• Operation successfully weakened Bosnian Serb military capabilities
• NATO intervention created conditions for peace negotiations

Peacekeeping in Kosovo

• Kosovo Force (KFOR) established in 1999 following NATO intervention in Kosovo
• KFOR deployed to maintain peace and stability in the region
• Multinational force included troops from NATO and non-NATO countries
• KFOR responsibilities included demilitarization, protection of ethnic minorities, and support for civilian reconstruction
• Force gradually reduced in size as security situation improved

Peace Agreements and Tribunals

Dayton Peace Accords

• Negotiated in November 1995 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio
• Agreement signed by leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia
• Divided Bosnia and Herzegovina into two entities: Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska
• Established power-sharing arrangements among ethnic groups
• Created Office of the High Representative to oversee implementation of civilian aspects
• Provided framework for deployment of NATO-led Implementation Force (IFOR)

International Criminal Justice

• International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) established by UN Security Council in 1993
• ICTY mandated to prosecute individuals responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide
• Tribunal located in The Hague, Netherlands
• Notable prosecutions included Slobodan Milošević, Radovan Karadžić, and Ratko Mladić
• ICTY contributed to development of international criminal law and jurisprudence
• Tribunal officially closed in 2017 after completing its mandate

EU Integration and Stability

Regional Stabilization Efforts

• Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe launched in 1999
• Initiative aimed to promote peace, democracy, and economic prosperity in the Balkans
• Focused on three key areas: democratization and human rights, economic reconstruction and development, and security
• Involved cooperation between EU, US, and other international partners
• Pact later transformed into Regional Cooperation Council in 2008

European Union Expansion

• European Union enlargement process extended to Western Balkan countries
• Slovenia joined EU in 2004, Croatia in 2013
• Other former Yugoslav republics granted candidate or potential candidate status
• EU accession process required countries to implement political and economic reforms
• Membership negotiations focused on adopting EU laws and standards (acquis communautaire)
• EU integration viewed as key to long-term stability and prosperity in the region