Agreement on the cessation of hostilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina concluded between Gen. Milivoj Petkovic and Gen. Sefer Halilovic on 12 May 1993, in the presene of Lt. Gen. Philippe Morillon and ECMM.HRC Jean-Pierre Thebault

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Country/entity: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Yugoslavia (former)
Region: Europe and Eurasia
Agreement name: Agreement on the cessation of hostilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina concluded between Gen. Milivoj Petkovic and Gen. Sefer Halilovic on 12 May 1993, in the presene of Lt. Gen. Philippe Morillon and ECMM.HRC Jean-Pierre Thebault
Date: 12 May 1993
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Balkan Conflicts (1991 - 1995) (1998 - 2001)
Former Yugoslavia

The disintegration of former Yugoslavia post cold war saw conflicts which became mediated and produced peace agreements in Slovenia (where the brief independence conflict was mediated by the EC Troika in 1991), Croatia (between Croatian and Serb populations 1991-1995), in Bosnia (between Croatian, Serb and Bosniak populations 1992-1995), in Macedonia (where mediation played a key pre-emptive role in preventing large scale conflict in 2001), in Kosovo (between Kosovar Albanians and Serbian population and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), but also between FRY and NATO, 1998-1999), and a conflict in the Presevo Valley (between Albanians in South Serbia and FRY, 2000-2001). The continued fall-out of the disintegration of former Yugoslavia also saw mediated agreement and ultimate dissolution of the Union between Serbia and Montenegro.

Bosnia-Herzegovina

In 1991, after nationalist parties won the first multi-party elections in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, a violent process of disintegration commenced. With its mixed population, Bosnia-Herzegovina became the centre of the following civil war that began in 1992 between the newly formed army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (mostly Muslim Bosniacs), and the parastatal forces of self-declared Bosnian Croat (Herzeg-Bosnia) and Bosnian Serb (Republika Srpska) entities within Bosnia-Herzegovina, supported by Croatia and Serbia, with various, often short-lived, coalitions. The General Framework Agreement (Dayton Peace Agreement), signed in 1995, split the country into two ethno-federal entities, the Bosniak-Croat Federation and the Republika Srpska, and included continued peacekeeping and institutional administration by international actors.

Kosovo

The conflict between Serbs and Kosovar Albanians has a long history and always involved territorial disputes as well as ethno-political, cultural and linguistic factors. The most recent phase of the conflict began in November 1997 when the Albanian Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA or UCK) began their campaign for the independence of Kosovo from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY – then Serbia and Montenegro). The subsequent war lasted until the NATO intervention, which undertook bombing campaigns of Belgrade and other places in Serbia during spring 1999. The main agreements solving the conflict were internationally driven and, finally, a UNSC resolution imposed a post-conflict arrangement in the wake of what was essentially a NATO military victory. In February 2008, Kosovo’s parliament declared independence, but independence is still internationally disputed.
Stage: Ceasefire/related
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Bosnia peace process
Parties: Gen. Milivoj Petkovic and Gen. Sefer Halilovic
Third parties: Signed in the presence of Lt. Gen. Philippe Morillon and ECMM.HRC Jean-Pierre Thebault
Description: -

Agreement document: BA_930512_Agreement on the cessation of hostilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Rhetorical
Page 2, Article 5, Return of displaced persons
Both sides will provide all assistance in restoring displaced persons to their own properties or places of residence. Both sides also guarantee the safety and security of displaced persons.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: Page 1, Article 1, Freedom of movement
Absolute freedom of movement to be restored and guaranteed, not only for UNPROFOR, ECMM and Humanitarian Aid agencies, but also for all logistic supply and support convoys of both parties on all routes and especially on the routes:
1. Doljani - Mostar - Jablanica - Konijc - Pazaric - Tarcin - Kiseljak - Visoko - Tuzla and
2. Posusje - Prozor - Gornji Vazuf - Travnik - Zenica - Vitez - Busovaca.

Page 2, Article 4, Release of prisoners
Both parties agree to the immediate release of all civilian detainees without any conditions and to be fully completed on 13 May 1993. This will be followed by an exchange of all Prisoners of War. A list of all Prisoners of War will be presented to the International Committee of the Red Cross no later than 1200 hours 13 May 1993.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: No specific mention.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: Page 1, Untitled Preamble
Reconfirming also that the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and the protocol additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and elating to the protection of victims of international armed conflicts (Protocol 1) are fully applicable in the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: No specific mention.
Mobility/access: Page 1, Article 1, Freedom of movement
Absolute freedom of movement to be restored and guaranteed, not only for UNPROFOR, ECMM and Humanitarian Aid agencies, but also for all logistic supply and support convoys of both parties on all routes and especially on the routes:
1. Doljani - Mostar - Jablanica - Konijc - Pazaric - Tarcin - Kiseljak - Visoko - Tuzla and
2. Posusje - Prozor - Gornji Vazuf - Travnik - Zenica - Vitez - Busovaca.
Freedom of movement will also be guaranteed for civilians to travel throughout the country. Control of routes will be maintained by civilian police only. Check Points and route patrols will be manned by mixed police units with the assistance of UNCIVPOL who, in case of necessity, will resolve disputes between the police of the two sides. Military units will not exercise any control. On a temporary basis, until the implementation of the Vance Owen Plan, these mixed units will be established in MOSTAR, TRAVNIK and ZENICA after agreement between the existing police forces.
Protection measures: Rights related issues→Protection measures→Protection of groups
Page 1, Preamble

Reconfirming also that the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and the protocol additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and elating to the protection of victims of international armed conflicts (Protocol 1) are fully applicable in the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina have agreed on the following:
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Humanitarian assistance
Page 1, Article 1, Freedom of movement
Absolute freedom of movement to be restored and guaranteed, not only for UNPROFOR, ECMM and Humanitarian Aid agencies, but also for all logistic supply and support convoys of both parties on all routes and especially on the routes:
1. Doljani - Mostar - Jablanica - Konijc - Pazaric - Tarcin - Kiseljak - Visoko - Tuzla and
2. Posusje - Prozor - Gornji Vazuf - Travnik - Zenica - Vitez - Busovaca.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: Page 1, Untitled Preamble
Reconfirming that all persons and property should be free from armed attacks and from any other hostile act;

Page 2, Article 5, Return of displaced persons
Both sides will provide all assistance in restoring displaced persons to their own properties or places of residence. Both sides also guarantee the safety and security of displaced persons.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
[Summary: The agreement is titled as a cessation of hostilities, and provides for withdrawal of troops and other mechanisms to support a ceasefire.]
Police: Page 1, Article 1, Freedom of movement
...Freedom of movement will also be guaranteed for civilians to travel throughout the country. Control of routes will be maintained by civilian police only. Check Points and route patrols will be manned by mixed police units with the assistance of UNCIVPOL who, in case of necessity, will resolve disputes between the police of the two sides. Military units will not exercise any control. On a temporary basis, until the implementation of the Vance Owen Plan, these mixed units will be established in MOSTAR, TRAVNIK and ZENICA after agreement between the existing police forces.
Armed forces: Page 1-2, Article 3, Withdrawal of armed forces
In MOSTAR, all military units will be withdrawn and confined in their barracks; the BiH Army in the Southern Camp and in Konsk Barracks, the HVO units and the HQ of the Operational Zone of South East Herzegovina in the Northern Camp and at the Halidrom. The withdrawal will take place after the deployment of UNPROFOR and by 1200 hours on 13 May 1993. In the area of KOSTAJNICA and KONJIC, HVO units will be deployed in a few villages in the area marked on the attached map. BH Army will withdraw out of this area to their own villages.
DDR: Security sector→DDR→Demilitarisation provisions
Page 1-2, Article 3, Withdrawal of armed forces
In MOSTAR, all military units will be withdrawn and confined in their barracks; the BiH Army in the Southern Camp and in Konsk Barracks, the HVO units and the HQ of the Operational Zone of South East Herzegovina in the Northern Camp and at the Halidrom. The withdrawal will take place after the deployment of UNPROFOR and by 1200 hours on 13 May 1993. In the area of KOSTAJNICA and KONJIC, HVO units will be deployed in a few villages in the area marked on the attached map. BH Army will withdraw out of this area to their own villages.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: Page 1-2, Article 3, Withdrawal of armed forces
In MOSTAR, all military units will be withdrawn and confined in their barracks; the BiH Army in the Southern Camp and in Konsk Barracks, the HVO units and the HQ of the Operational Zone of South East Herzegovina in the Northern Camp and at the Halidrom. The withdrawal will take place after the deployment of UNPROFOR and by 1200 hours on 13 May 1993. In the area of KOSTAJNICA and KONJIC, HVO units will be deployed in a few villages in the area marked on the attached map. BH Army will withdraw out of this area to their own villages.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: Page 2, Article 4, Release of prisoners
Both parties agree to the immediate release of all civilian detainees without any conditions and to be fully completed on 13 May 1993. This will be followed by an exchange of all Prisoners of War. A list of all Prisoners of War will be presented to the International Committee of the Red Cross no later than 1200 hours 13 May 1993.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: Page 1, Article 1, Freedom of movement
Absolute freedom of movement to be restored and guaranteed, not only for UNPROFOR, ECMM and Humanitarian Aid agencies, but also for all logistic supply and support convoys of both parties on all routes and especially on the routes:
1. Doljani - Mostar - Jablanica - Konijc - Pazaric - Tarcin - Kiseljak - Visoko - Tuzla and
2. Posusje - Prozor - Gornji Vazuf - Travnik - Zenica - Vitez - Busovaca.
Freedom of movement will also be guaranteed for civilians to travel throughout the country. Control of routes will be maintained by civilian police only. Check Points and route patrols will be manned by mixed police units with the assistance of UNCIVPOL who, in case of necessity, will resolve disputes between the police of the two sides. Military units will not exercise any control. On a temporary basis, until the implementation of the Vance Owen Plan, these mixed units will be established in MOSTAR, TRAVNIK and ZENICA after agreement between the existing police forces.

Page 1, Article 2, Deployment of UNPROFOR
One Company of the Spanish Battalion will be deployed and accommodated in MOSTAR at the airport until more suitable accommodation can be found. The deployment will be on both sides of the NERETVA river. Deployment will begin 1800 hours 12 May 1993. The Company located in JABLANICA will continue to patrol the routes between JABLANICA-TARCIN, JABLANICA-KOSTAJNICA and start patrolling between OSTROZAC-TRUSINA-SEONICA-VRCI. The British Battalion will continue to patrol the route JABLANICA-PROZOR-GORNJI VAKUF.

Page 1-2, Article 3, Withdrawal of armed forces
In MOSTAR, all military units will be withdrawn and confined in their barracks; the BiH Army in the Southern Camp and in Konsk Barracks, the HVO units and the HQ of the Operational Zone of South East Herzegovina in the Northern Camp and at the Halidrom. The withdrawal will take place after the deployment of UNPROFOR and by 1200 hours on 13 May 1993. In the area of KOSTAJNICA and KONJIC, HVO units will be deployed in a few villages in the area marked on the attached map. BH Army will withdraw out of this area to their own villages.

Page 2, Article 6
All areas of dispute will be solved by negotiations by both parties in the presence of UNPROFOR and ECMM.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: Daniel Bethlehem and Marc Weller (eds.) The 'Yugoslav' Crisis in International Law: General Issues Part 1 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997), pp. 624-625

Agreement on the cessation of hostilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina concluded between Gen. Milivoj Petkovic and Gen. Sefer Halilovic on 12 May 93 in the presence of Lt.

Gen. Philippe Morillon and ECMM.HRC Jean-Pierre Thebault

Contracting Parties:

Gen. Sefer Halilovic and Gen. Milivoj Petkovic

Reconfirming their will to establish peace within the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina;

Reconfirming that all persons and property should be free from armed attacks and from any other hostile act;

Reconfirming also that the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and the protocol additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and elating to the protection of victims of international armed conflicts (Protocol 1) are fully applicable in the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina

have agreed on the following:

Article I

Freedom of movement

Absolute freedom of movement to be restored and guaranteed, not only for UNPROFOR, ECMM and Humanitarian Aid agencies, but also for all logistic supply and support convoys of both parties on all routes and especially on the routes:

1. Doljani - Mostar - Jablanica - Konijc - Pazaric - Tarcin - Kiseljak - Visoko - Tuzla and

2. Posusje - Prozor - Gornji Vazuf - Travnik - Zenica - Vitez - Busovaca.

Freedom of movement will also be guaranteed for civilians to travel throughout the country.

Control of routes will be maintained by civilian police only.

Check Points and route patrols will be manned by mixed police units with the assistance of UNCIVPOL who, in case of necessity, will resolve disputes between the police of the two sides.

Military units will not exercise any control.

On a temporary basis, until the implementation of the Vance Owen Plan, these mixed units will be established in MOSTAR, TRAVNIK and ZENICA after agreement between the existing police forces.

Article 2

Deployment of UNPROFOR

One Company of the Spanish Battalion will be deployed and accommodated in MOSTAR at the airport until more suitable accommodation can be found.

The deployment will be on both sides of the NERETVA river.

Deployment will begin 1800 hours 12 May 1993.

The Company located in JABLANICA will continue to patrol the routes between JABLANICA-TARCIN, JABLANICA-KOSTAJNICA and start patrolling between OSTROZAC-TRUSINA-SEONICA-VRCI.

The British Battalion will continue to patrol the route JABLANICA-PROZOR-GORNJI VAKUF.

Article 3

Withdrawal of armed forces

In MOSTAR, all military units will be withdrawn and confined in their barracks;

the BiH Army in the Southern Camp and in Konsk Barracks, the HVO units and the HQ of the Operational Zone of South East Herzegovina in the Northern Camp and at the Halidrom.

The withdrawal will take place after the deployment of UNPROFOR and by 1200 hours on 13 May 1993.

In the area of KOSTAJNICA and KONJIC, HVO units will be deployed in a few villages in the area marked on the attached map.

BH Army will withdraw out of this area to their own villages.

Article 4

Release of prisoners

Both parties agree to the immediate release of all civilian detainees without any conditions and to be fully completed on 13 May 1993.

This will be followed by an exchange of all Prisoners of War.

A list of all Prisoners of War will be presented to the International Committee of the Red Cross no later than 1200 hours 13 May 1993.

Article 5

Return of displaced persons

Both sides will provide all assistance in restoring displaced persons to their own properties or places of residence.

Both sides also guarantee the safety and security of displaced persons.

Article 6

All areas of dispute will be solved by negotiations by both parties in the presence of UNPROFOR and ECMM.

(Signed)

Gen. Sefer Halilovic

Gen Milivoj Petkovic

(Witnessed by)

Lt. Gen. Philippe Morillon, Representative of UNPROFOR

Ambassador Jean-Pierre Thebault, Representative of ECMM

12 May 1993