Agreement on Complete Cessation of Hostilities

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Country/entity: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Yugoslavia (former)
Region: Europe and Eurasia
Agreement name: Agreement on Complete Cessation of Hostilities
Date: 31 Dec 1994
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: Alija lZETBEGOVIC, Rasim DELIC, Kresimir ZUBAK; Radovan KARADZIC, Ratko MLADIC, Vladimir SOLJIC
Third parties: Witnessed by: Yasushi AKASHI, Sir Michael ROSE
Description: This agreement provides for a complete cessation of hostilities, supervised by UNPROFOR. It also provides for freedom of movement for UNPROFOR and international agencies, restoration of utilities, commencing a prisoner release process, and the observation of withdrawal of all foreign troops.

Agreement document: BA_941231_Agreement on Complete Cessation of Hostilities.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: No specific mention.
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, 5.
Full freedom of movement with appropriate procedures shall exist for UNPROFOR and other official international agencies, in particular the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in order to implement this agreement, to monitor human rights and to deliver humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and evacuations. The parties commit themselves to full respect for the safety and security of UNPROFOR and related personnel. UNPROFOR shall continue to prevent any abuse of freedom of movement by its personnel or convoys which might be of military benefit to either party.

Page 2, 8.
The parties agree to work continuously and simultaneously on processes for the early release of persons detained in relation with the conflict, as well as for the provision and cross-checking of all available information on persons unaccounted for. This work will be undertaken under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in accordance with their standard procedures. The parties commit themselves to commencing the processes by 15 January 1995.
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: Page 1, 5.
Full freedom of movement with appropriate procedures shall exist for UNPROFOR and other official international agencies, in particular the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in order to implement this agreement, to monitor human rights and to deliver humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and evacuations. The parties commit themselves to full respect for the safety and security of UNPROFOR and related personnel. UNPROFOR shall continue to prevent any abuse of freedom of movement by its personnel or convoys which might be of military benefit to either party.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
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, 5.
Full freedom of movement with appropriate procedures shall exist for UNPROFOR and other official international agencies, in particular the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in order to implement this agreement, to monitor human rights and to deliver humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and evacuations. The parties commit themselves to full respect for the safety and security of UNPROFOR and related personnel. UNPROFOR shall continue to prevent any abuse of freedom of movement by its personnel or convoys which might be of military benefit to either party.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
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→Socio-economic development
Page 2, 7.
The parties agree to assist fully in the total restoration of utilities and the establishment of joint economic activities aimed at the normalization of life in all territories, and in particular in and around the Safe Areas. These activities shall be undertaken on a reciprocal basis.
Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Humanitarian assistance
Page 1, 5.
Full freedom of movement with appropriate procedures shall exist for UNPROFOR and other official international agencies, in particular the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in order to implement this agreement, to monitor human rights and to deliver humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and evacuations. The parties commit themselves to full respect for the safety and security of UNPROFOR and related personnel. UNPROFOR shall continue to prevent any abuse of freedom of movement by its personnel or convoys which might be of military benefit to either party.
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: No specific mention.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
Page 1, 1.
Following the Cease-fire Agreement, signed on 23 December 1994, the parties agree to a complete cessation of hostilities with effect from 1200 hours on 1 January 1995 along all lines of confrontation. This agreement will be in effect for an initial period of four months, subject to renewal under these same conditions by agreement of the parties.

Page 1, 2.
The cessation of hostilities will be supervised and monitored by the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) through the establishment of joint commissions. A Central Joint Commission shall be established under the chairmanship of UNPROFOR, with initial meetings at the Sarajevo Airport, and regional joint commissions shall also be established in permanent session as needed and as determined by the Central Joint Commission.

Page 1, 4.
Cessation of hostilities will include the following measures:
(a) Separation of forces in conflict to mutually agreed positions and the positioning of UNPROFOR forces for observation and monitoring, to include interpositioning;
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: Security sector→DDR→Demilitarisation provisions
Page 1, 4.
Cessation of hostilities will include the following measures:
...
(b) The parties agree to refrain from the use of all explosive munitions, and the use of weapons used to fire explosive munitions. In addition, talks will begin immediately on the modalities for the withdrawal and monitoring by UNPROFOR of heavy weapons of 12.7 mm calibre and above.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: Page 2, 9.
The parties agree to cooperate with UNPROFOR in the monitoring and observation of the withdrawal of all foreign troops. UNPROFOR will perform this specific task on the basis of this agreement with the parties to the conflict and in accordance with its obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions and statements.
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, 8.
The parties agree to work continuously and simultaneously on processes for the early release of persons detained in relation with the conflict, as well as for the provision and cross-checking of all available information on persons unaccounted for. This work will be undertaken under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in accordance with their standard procedures. The parties commit themselves to commencing the processes by 15 January 1995.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: Signed as witnesses by Special Representative of the Secretary General, Yasushi Akashi, and Sir Michael Rose, UNPROFOR Commander
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: Page 1, 2.
The cessation of hostilities will be supervised and monitored by the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) through the establishment of joint commissions. A Central Joint Commission shall be established under the chairmanship of UNPROFOR, with initial meetings at the Sarajevo Airport, and regional joint commissions shall also be established in permanent session as needed and as determined by the Central Joint Commission.

Page 1, 3.
Liaison officers will be exchanged between UNPROFOR and the parties by 15 January 1995 and afterwards where deemed appropriate.

Page 1, 4.
Cessation of hostilities will include the following measures:
(a) Separation of forces in conflict to mutually agreed positions and the positioning of UNPROFOR forces for observation and monitoring, to include interpositioning;
(b) The parties agree to refrain from the use of all explosive munitions, and the use of weapons used to fire explosive munitions. In addition, talks will begin immediately on the modalities for the withdrawal and monitoring by UNPROFOR of heavy weapons of 12.7 mm calibre and above.

Page 1, 5.
Full freedom of movement with appropriate procedures shall exist for UNPROFOR and other official international agencies, in particular the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in order to implement this agreement, to monitor human rights and to deliver humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and evacuations. The parties commit themselves to full respect for the safety and security of UNPROFOR and related personnel. UNPROFOR shall continue to prevent any abuse of freedom of movement by its personnel or convoys which might be of military benefit to either party.

Page 2, 9.
The parties agree to cooperate with UNPROFOR in the monitoring and observation of the withdrawal of all foreign troops. UNPROFOR will perform this specific task on the basis of this agreement with the parties to the conflict and in accordance with its obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions and statements.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: Snezana Trifunovska (ed.) Former Yugoslavia Through Documents: From its dissolution to the peace settlement (The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff 1999) pp.310-312

AGREEMENT ON COMPLETE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES

(Between Bosnian Muslims, Bosnian Croats and Bosnian Serbs)

31 December 1994

1. Following the Cease-fire Agreement, signed on 23 December 1994, the parties agree to a complete cessation of hostilities with effect from 1200 hours on 1 January 1995 along all lines of confrontation.

This agreement will be in effect for an initial period of four months, subject to renewal under these same conditions by agreement of the parties.

2. The cessation of hostilities will be supervised and monitored by the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) through the establishment of joint commissions.

A Central Joint Commission shall be established under the chairmanship of UNPROFOR, with initial meetings at the Sarajevo Airport, and regional joint commissions shall also be established in permanent session as needed and as determined by the Central Joint Commission.

3. Liaison officers will be exchanged between UNPROFOR and the parties by 15 January 1995 and afterwards where deemed appropriate.

4. Cessation of hostilities will include the following measures:

(a) Separation of forces in conflict to mutually agreed positions and the positioning of UNPROFOR forces for observation and monitoring, to include interpositioning;

(b) The parties agree to refrain from the use of all explosive munitions, and the use of weapons used to fire explosive munitions.

In addition, talks will begin immediately on the modalities for the withdrawal and monitoring by UNPROFOR of heavy weapons of 12.7 mm calibre and above.

5. Full freedom of movement with appropriate procedures shall exist for UNPROFOR and other official international agencies, in particular the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in order to implement this agreement, to monitor human rights and to deliver humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and evacuations.

The parties commit themselves to full respect for the safety and security of UNPROFOR and related personnel.

UNPROFOR shall continue to prevent any abuse of freedom of movement by its personnel or convoys which might be of military benefit to either party.

6. The parties agree to comply immediately and fully with all existing agreements, including the 5 June 1992 Sarajevo Airport Agreement, the 24 April 1993 Srebrenica Agreement, the 8 May 1993 Srebrenica and Zepa Agreement, the 14 August 1993 Mount Igman Demilitarized Zone Agreement, the 9 February 1994 Sarajevo Airport Agreement, the 17 March 1994 Agreement regarding the use of civilian traffic across Sarajevo Airport, the 23 April 1994 Gorazde Agreement and the 14 August 1994 Anti-Sniping Agreement.

7. The parties agree to assist fully in the total restoration of utilities and the establishment of joint economic activities aimed at the normalization of life in all territories, and in particular in and around the Safe Areas.

These activities shall be undertaken on a reciprocal basis.

8. The parties agree to work continuously and simultaneously on processes for the early release of persons detained in relation with the conflict, as well as for the provision and cross-checking of all available information on persons unaccounted for.

This work will be undertaken under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in accordance with their standard procedures.

The parties commit themselves to commencing the processes by 15 January 1995.

9. The parties agree to cooperate with UNPROFOR in the monitoring and observation of the withdrawal of all foreign troops.

UNPROFOR will perform this specific task on the basis of this agreement with the parties to the conflict and in accordance with its obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions and statements.

10. This agreement is to be without prejudice to the final political or territorial solution.

(Signed) Alija lZETBEGOVIC, Rasim DELIC, Kresimir ZUBAK

(Signed) Radovan KARADZIC, Ratko MLADIC, Vladimir SOLJIC

Witnessed by:

(Signed) Yasushi AKASHI, Sir Michael ROSE