Bosnian factions extend ceasefire
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.SARAJEVO (Reuter) - A much-abused truce was renewed in Bosnia yesterday by the warring parties, who dragged the issues of 'ethnic cleansing', prisoner releases and freedom of movement into the deal, said the United Nations envoy, Yasushi Akashi. He said the factions gave verbal commitments to the extension rather than signing an agreement, as they did in Geneva on 8 June, when the first truce was agreed.
'I have been brought up in a culture where a verbal agreement is just as weighty as a signed agreement,' the Japanese diplomat said. 'Sometimes words count for more than a piece of paper.' Neither has counted for much in Bosnia during 27 months of war, with the 8 June truce a case in point. Muslim and Croat-backed government troops launched an offensive in the northern part of the country. Bosnian Serb snipers harassed civilians in Sarajevo, and they killed a British UN soldier in Gorazde two weeks ago.
Mr Akashi has been eager to get the truce extended as a bridge to the international peace plan, delivered to Bosnia's warring parties in Geneva last week.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments