Posted on 07/02/2002 11:59:04 AM PDT by DeaconBenjamin
The European Union is coming under immense pressure to make contingency plans in the Balkans if the US refuses to extend the mandate for the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Bosnia.
EU diplomats said they were still hoping for some compromise on Wednesday that would allow the 1,300 UN International Police Task Force (IPTF) to remain in Bosnia.
The US has threatened to block extension of the mandate if the Security Council fails to give blanket immunity from prosecution by the new International Criminal Court for US troops abroad.
The EU had planned to send 500 special police officers to Bosnia next January to replace the IPTF. "Should a compromise fail, the EU cannot abandon the Balkans. It constitutes its number one priority," said Javier Solana, the EU's foreign policy chief.
The federation, split along three ethnic communities, is still politically fragile and rampant with corruption and drug trafficking. It also holds elections in October, another worry for the Europeans who fear a US pull-out could be exploited by nationalists unless the EU is ready to step in immediately.
Mr Solana, already in contact with the European capitals, is looking at ways to bring forward the European Union Police Mission (EUPM). But member states would have to agree on financing, a sensitive issue since there is no more money available, at least for this year.
Even though the EU has more than 500 police officers serving in the IPTF mission, the European personnel cannot simply change uniforms and act under EU command.
Unlike the IPTF, which was a policing operation, the EUPM would be focused on training a professional Bosnian police force able to co-operate across the ethnic communities and able to undertake criminal investigations of corruption regardless of political implications.
UN and EU staff in the region acknowledged they were caught off guard by Washington's threat.
Mark Wheeler, Sarajevo-based director for the International Crisis Group said: "The timescale for what was meant to be a wonderfully smooth transition, rebranding the UN mission as the EU's, was already rather optimistic.... I just don't think the EU can mobilise on such short notice."
Of the international police force's 1,535 officers, 46 are from the US. The EU's 500 are expected to continue serving after January. But failing an agreement with the US, more than 900 officers from dozens of countries such as Russia, Egypt and Chile could be sent home early.
Mr Wheeler warned of a potential "gap" between the UN force's closing date and the start of effective administration and policing by the EU. Such a power vaccuum, he said, would encourage "the bad guys to go out and be as bad as they can be."
Bosnian foreign ministry spokesman Amer Kapetanovic expressed concern that the world's lone superpower should maintain interest in Balkan stability as envisaged in the 1995 Dayton Agreement. "We need US engagement, militarily, politically and economically," he said.
Well, that's one way to get the euroweenies 100% behind the war on terrorism. Think the kla might slip over borders and reek havoc with the help of fifth colums already in the eu countries?
Sent home because the EU wants the US to continue paying the major share of the peacekeeping operation.
If the UN force leaves, I guess the EU would want to have all the US-supplied UN trucks, tents, and supplies.
The UN mandate expired because China vetoed an extension due Macedonia establishing diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The hardline tactic worked because Taiwan and Macedonia no longer have diplomatic relations.
If the US continues to veto all UN peacekeeping missions around the world, the US will be granted immunity.
Simple. The EU can provide the troops now. At 15 EU member states, that's only about 85 soldiers each. Is that too much for Europe to handle? I mean, c'mon.
DITTO! man DITTO !!
What are you going to tell "our boys" families when "our boys" are dragged before the world court because they killed some terrorists dressed as civilians? oops sorry?
The world court is a way for third world countries to attack the US using "our boys" as political pawns. I think "our boys" deserve better don't you?
Passing it on.....
here is a shot of Eagle Base Chapel, Christmas 2001... A place I spent many hours in prayer while stationed there..
I have no problem serving there again if asked to do so.... so long as I am NEVER subject to UN Kangaroo Courts.. PERIOD...
If I die in the combat zone,
Box me up and ship me home,
Pin my medals up on my chest,
Tell my Ma I done my best.
They will not be dragged before the ICC, so put that worry from your mind. As for terrorists...the KLA is in Serbia, not Bosnia. GI's are on a semi-permenant base and well protected by their fellows. The greatest danger is from land mines.
David
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