UN Security Council extends European peacekeeping mission in Bosnia

[News_Editor]

UN Security Council extends European peacekeeping mission in Bosnia

2011-11-17 20:12:43 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW YORK (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday extended for another year the European Union stabilization force (EUFOR) which is tasked with maintaining peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In an unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-member body extended the mission to continue overseeing the implementation of the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement that ended fighting in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The EU force assumed peacekeeping responsibilities in 2004 when it took over from a stabilization force led by NATO, which continues to have a presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On Tuesday, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Valentin Inzko, told the Council that the country still suffers political instability, mainly because of politicians' reluctance to compromise and engage in dialogue. He said it is essential that EUFOR remains in place to continue to assist his office and other international organizations.

The Council, in its resolution, also expressed its intention to consider the terms of further authorization 'as necessary in the light of developments' in the implementation of the Peace Agreement and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The 1992-95 Bosnian war ended with the conflicting sides signing the Dayton Agreement. Thousands of people died during the conflict, but the exact death toll has been subject to considerable and highly politicized debate.

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