Source HR [Croatian] News
September 8, 1995
AGREEMENT ON BASIC PRINCIPLES IN GENEVA
In Geneva today the deal was struck at talks between the
foreign ministers of Bosnia, Croatia and the rump Yugoslav state,
the first face-to-face negotiations in more than a year.
U.S. negotiator Richard Holbrooke told a news conference after talks between
Bosnia, Croatia and the rump Yugoslav state: "They were able to reach a
common agreement, which limited as it is, moves us towards peace."
The following is the text provided by diplomats of the basic principles
agreed on at Geneva today by Croatia, BiH and rump Yugoslavia:
* 1. Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue its legal existence with its
present borders and continuing international recognition.
* 2. Bosnia and Herzegovina will consist of two entities, the Federation
of Bosnia and Herzegovina as established by the Washington Agreements
(of 1994) and the Republika Sprska (RS).
- The 51:49 parameter of the territorial proposal of the Contact Group
is the basis for a settlement. This territorial proposal is open for
adjustment by mutual agreement.
- Each entity will continue to exist under its present constitution
(amended to accommodate these basic principles).
- Both entities will have the right to establish parallel special
relationships with neighbouring countries, consistent with the
sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- The two entities will enter into reciprocal commitments (a) to hold
complete elections under international auspices; (b) to adopt and
adhere to normal international human rights standards and obligations,
including the obligation to allow freedom of movement and enable
displaced persons to repossess their homes or receive just
compensation; (c) to engage in binding arbitration to resolve disputes
between them.
* 3. The entities have agreed in principle to the following:
- The appointment of a Commission for Displaced Persons authorised to
enforce (with assistance from international entities) the obligations
of both entities to enable displaced persons to repossess their homes
or receive just compensation.
- The establishment of a Bosnia and Herzegovina Human Rights
Commission, to enforce the entities' human rights obligations. The two
entities will abide by the Commission's decisions.
- The establishment of joint Bosnia and Herzegovina public
corporations, financed by the two entities, to own and operate
transportations and other facilities for the benefit of both entities.
- The appointment of a Commission to Preserve National Monuments.
- The design and implementation of a system of arbitration for the
solution of disputes between the two entities.
However, the talks failed to reach agreement on how to deal with the status
of Eastern Slavonia, still occupied part of Croatia.
(see Serbian reaction to the settlement, from VOA).