Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement, Pleso

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Country/entity: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Yugoslavia (former)
Region: Europe and Eurasia
Agreement name: Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement, Pleso
Date: 23 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 Izetbegovic; Rasim Delic; Radovan Karadzic; Ratko Mladic
Third parties: Witnessed by: Yasushi Akashi; Bertrand De La Presle
Description: This short agreement provides for a general ceasefire at 1200 hours on 24 December 1994, to last for four months and seven days. The parties agree to enable mobility of humanitarian convoys, release all detainees, and begin negotiations for a comprehensive cessation of hostilities.

Agreement document: BA_941223_ComprehensiveCeasefireAgreement, Pleso.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: Groups→Elderly/age→Anti-discrimination
Page 1, Article 4
...
All people, regardless of age, sex or ethnic origin, shall have the right to live in a location of their choice.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: Groups→Racial/ethnic/national group→Anti-discrimination
Page 1, Article 4
...
All people, regardless of age, sex or ethnic origin, shall have the right to live in a location of their choice.
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: Page 1, Article 4
The parties agree to protect the human rights of those persons residing within territory under their control in accordance with international standards, to include international humanitarian law. All peoples, regardless of age, sex or ethnic origin, shall have the right to live in a location of their choice.
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 3
The parties shall enable the passage of UNPROFOR and humanitarian convoys as well as teams deployed for the purpose of monitoring the cease-fire in accordance with the terms of this agreement and existing procedures. The parties commit themselves to full respect for the safety and security of UNPROFOR, humanitarian and related personnel.

Page 1, Article 5
The parties agree to the prompt and unconditional release of all detainees, to include prisoners of war, and the release of all available information on missing persons, each to be carried out in its own right. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will elaborate, in conjunction with the parties, a plan of action to implement this portion of the agreement.
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, Article 4
The parties agree to protect the human rights of those persons residing within territory under their control in accordance with international standards, to include international humanitarian law.
...
The human rights situation in all areas shall be subject to international monitoring and observation.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: Human rights and equality→Socio-economic rights→Other
Page 1, Article 4
...
All people, regardless of age, sex or ethnic origin, shall have the right to live in a location of their choice.

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 3
The parties shall enable the passage of UNPROFOR and humanitarian convoys as well as teams deployed for the purpose of monitoring the cease-fire in accordance with the terms of this agreement and existing procedures. The parties commit themselves to full respect for the safety and security of UNPROFOR, humanitarian and related personnel.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: Page 1, Article 4
...
All people, regardless of age, sex or ethnic origin, shall have the right to live in a location of their choice.

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 3
The parties shall enable the passage of UNPROFOR and humanitarian convoys as well as teams deployed for the purpose of monitoring the cease-fire in accordance with the terms of this agreement and existing procedures.
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
[Summary: Page 1-2, The agreement in its entirety provides for a general ceasefire.]

Page 1, Article 1
There shall be a general cease-fire along all lines of confrontation, which will take effect at 1200 hours on 24 December 1994. The general cease-fire shall be for an initial period of seven days and four months and shall be subject to renewal by agreement of the parties.

Page 1-2, Article 6
Negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive cessation of hostilities agreement for a period of no less than four months shall commence immediately after this agreement takes effect, with the intention of concluding the cessation of hostilities agreement by 1 January 1995. During the negotiations the Commanders of the parties in conflict will meet under the chairmanship of UNPROFOR to determine the military arrangements for the implementation of a cessation of all combat activities along all lines of confrontation.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
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 1, Article 5
The parties agree to the prompt and unconditional release of all detainees, to include prisoners of war, and the release of all available information on missing persons, each to be carried out in its own right. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will elaborate, in conjunction with the parties, a plan of action to implement this portion of the agreement.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: Page 1, Article 5
The parties agree to the prompt and unconditional release of all detainees, to include prisoners of war, and the release of all available information on missing persons, each to be carried out in its own right. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will elaborate, in conjunction with the parties, a plan of action to implement this portion of the agreement.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: Signed as witnesses by Special Representatives of the Secretary General, Mr Yasushi Akashi, and UNPROFOR Commander Bertrand De La Presle
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: Page 1, Article 2
Should any party breach the terms of this agreement, and if such a breach is verified, the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) shall report such a breach of the terms of the agreement through the Secretary-General to the Security Council immediately. The parties shall be responsible for reporting breaches to each other and to UNPROFOR. UNPROFOR shall assess allegations of breaches, attempt to resolve them where possible, and make public the results of its assessment, as appropriate.

Page 1, Article 3
The parties shall enable the passage of UNPROFOR and humanitarian convoys as well as teams deployed for the purpose of monitoring the cease-fire in accordance with the terms of this agreement and existing procedures. The parties commit themselves to full respect for the safety and security of UNPROFOR, humanitarian and related personnel.

Page 1, Article 4
...
The human rights situation in all areas shall be subject to international monitoring and observation.

Page 1-2, Article 6
Negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive cessation of hostilities agreement for a period of no less than four months shall commence immediately after this agreement takes effect, with the intention of concluding the cessation of hostilities agreement by 1 January 1995. During the negotiations the Commanders of the parties in conflict will meet under the chairmanship of UNPROFOR to determine the military arrangements for the implementation of a cessation of all combat activities along all lines of confrontation.
Enforcement mechanism: Page 1, Article 2
Should any party breach the terms of this agreement, and if such a breach is verified, the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) shall report such a breach of the terms of the agreement through the Secretary-General to the Security Council immediately. The parties shall be responsible for reporting breaches to each other and to UNPROFOR. UNPROFOR shall assess allegations of breaches, attempt to resolve them where possible, and make public the results of its assessment, as appropriate.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: UN Peacemaker
http://peacemaker.un.org/
http://peacemaker.un.org/bosniacomprehensiveceasefire94

Comprehensive Cease-fire Agreement

The undersigned representatives agree as follows:

1. There shall be a general cease-fire along all lines of confrontation, which will take effect at 1200 hours on 24 December 1994.

The general cease-fire shall be for an initial period of seven days and four months and shall be subject to renewal by agreement of the parties.

2. Should any party breach the terms of this agreement, and if such a breach is verified, the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) shall report such a breach of the terms of the agreement through the Secretary-General to the Security Council immediately.

The parties shall be responsible for reporting breaches to each other and to UNPROFOR.

UNPROFOR shall assess allegations of breaches, attempt to resolve them where possible, and make public the results of its assessment, as appropriate.

3. The parties shall enable the passage of UNPROFOR and humanitarian convoys as well as teams deployed for the purpose of monitoring the cease-fire in accordance with the terms of this agreement and existing procedures.

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

4. The parties agree to protect the human rights of those persons residing within territory under their control in accordance with international standards, to include international humanitarian law.

All people, regardless of age, sex or ethnic origin, shall have the right to live in a location of their choice.

The human rights situation in all areas shall be subject to international monitoring and observation.

5. The parties agree to the prompt and unconditional release of all detainees, to include prisoners of war, and the release of all available information on missing persons, each to be carried out in its own right.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will elaborate, in conjunction with the parties, a plan of action to implement this portion of the agreement.

6. Negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive cessation of hostilities agreement for a period of no less than four months shall commence immediately after this agreement takes effect, with the intention of concluding the cessation of hostilities agreement by 1 January 1995.

During the negotiations the Commanders of the parties in conflict will meet under the chairmanship of UNPROFOR to determine the military arrangements for the implementation of a cessation of all combat activities along all lines of confrontation.

23 December 1994

(Signed) Alija IZETBEGOVIC

(Signed) Radovan KARADŽIC

(Signed) Rasim DELIC

(Signed) Ratko MLADIC

Witnessed by:

(Signed) Yasushi AKASHI

(Signed) Bertrand DE LA PRESLE