Joint Declaration (International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia)

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Country/entity: Croatia
Yugoslavia (former)
Region: Europe and Eurasia
Agreement name: Joint Declaration (International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia)
Date: 30 Sep 1992
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Interstate/intrastate conflict(s)
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: Pre-negotiation/process
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Croatia negotiation process
Parties: Dobrica Cosic, President, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia; Franjo Tudjman, President, Republic of Croatia
Third parties: Witnessed by Cyrus R. Vance, David L. Owen
Description: This short agreement contains commitments to the maintenance of borders, return of refugees, the withdrawal of the Yugoslav Army from Prevlaka, to establish a Joint Interstate Committee, a condemnation of ethnic cleansing, and to meet again for further talks.

Agreement document: HR_920930_Joint Statement (International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia).pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: Groups→Racial/ethnic/national group→Substantive
Page 1, 2.
Authorities of the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, in close collaboration with the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR), will undertake urgent, joint measures to ensure the peaceful return to their homes in the United Nations Protected Areas of all persons displaced therefrom who so wish. To that end they propose the prompt establishment of a quadripartite mechanism - consisting of authorities of the
Government of Croatia, local Serb representatives, representatives of UNPROFOR and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) - to assure that this process moves forward. Equally, Serb and Croat people formerly residing on the territory of the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia should have the right to return in peace to their former homes. Agreement was reached with regard to more resolute action concerning the return of displaced persons to their homes, and to allowing for a voluntary and humane resettlement of those persons wishing to do so between the two States.

Page 2, 6.
The two Presidents declare their total condemnation of all practices related to "ethnic cleansing", and commit themselves to helping reverse that which has already happened. They also declare that all statements or commitments made under duress, particularly those relating to land and property, are wholly null and void...
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Rhetorical
Page 1, 2.
Authorities of the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, in close collaboration with the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR), will undertake urgent, joint measures to ensure the peaceful return to their homes in the United Nations Protected Areas of all persons displaced therefrom who so wish. To that end they propose the prompt establishment of a quadripartite mechanism - consisting of authorities of the
Government of Croatia, local Serb representatives, representatives of UNPROFOR and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) - to assure that this process moves forward. Equally, Serb and Croat people formerly residing on the territory of the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia should have the right to return in peace to their former homes. Agreement was reached with regard to more resolute action concerning the return of displaced persons to their homes, and to allowing for a voluntary and humane resettlement of those persons wishing to do so between the two States.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
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: Page 1, 1.
The two Presidents reaffirmed the commitments of the International Conference in London on the inviolability of existing borders, other than through changes reached by peaceful agreement, and agreed to intensify work towards the normalization of relations between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Croatia, on the basis of mutual recognition. All questions concerning succession to the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia will be resolved within the framework of the International Conference or, as appropriate, bilaterally.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: Page 1, 1.
The two Presidents reaffirmed the commitments of the International Conference in London on the inviolability of existing borders, other than through changes reached by peaceful agreement, and agreed to intensify work towards the normalization of relations between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Croatia, on the basis of mutual recognition. All questions concerning succession to the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia will be resolved within the framework of the International Conference or, as appropriate, bilaterally.
Cross-border provision: Page 1, 4.
The two Presidents agree to establish a Joint Interstate Committee for the consideration of all open issues and for the normalization of relations between the sovereign Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In order that a durable peace may be established as soon as possible, particular attention will be given to normalizing traffic and economic links.

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, 6.
... They urge all concerned parties to cooperate fully, promptly and unconditionally with current efforts, in particular by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and UNHCR, to free all detainees, close all detention centres, and assure safe passage of former detainees to secure and safe areas. They further urge all parties to facilitate the safe delivery of all humanitarian assistance.
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: No specific mention.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: No specific mention.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

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: Page 1, 6.
... They urge all concerned parties to cooperate fully, promptly and unconditionally with current efforts, in particular by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and UNHCR, to free all detainees, close all detention centres, and assure safe passage of former detainees to secure and safe areas. They further urge all parties to facilitate the safe delivery of all humanitarian assistance.
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, 6.
...They further urge all parties to facilitate the safe delivery of all humanitarian assistance.
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: Land, property and environment→Land reform/rights→Property return and restitution
Page 2, 6.
The two Presidents declare their total condemnation of all practices related to "ethnic cleansing", and commit themselves to helping reverse that which has already happened. They also declare that all statements or commitments made under duress, particularly those relating to land and property, are wholly null and void...
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: Page 1, 3.
The two Presidents agree that the Yugoslav Army will leave Prevlaka by 20 October 1992 in accordance with the Vance Plan. Security in the area will be resolved by demilitarization and the deployment of United Nations monitors. The overall security of Boka Kotorska and Dubrovnik will be resolved through subsequent negotiations.
Ceasefire: No specific mention.
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: Page 1, 3.
The two Presidents agree that the Yugoslav Army will leave Prevlaka by 20 October 1992 in accordance with the Vance Plan. Security in the area will be resolved by demilitarization and the deployment of United Nations monitors. The overall security of Boka Kotorska and Dubrovnik will be resolved through subsequent negotiations.
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, 6.
... They urge all concerned parties to cooperate fully, promptly and unconditionally with current efforts, in particular by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and UNHCR, to free all detainees, close all detention centres, and assure safe passage of former detainees to secure and safe areas. They further urge all parties to facilitate the safe delivery of all humanitarian assistance.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: Witnessed by Cyrus R. Vance, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: Page 1, 2.
Authorities of the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, in close collaboration with the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR), will undertake urgent, joint measures to ensure the peaceful return to their homes in the United Nations Protected Areas of all persons displaced therefrom who so wish. To that end they propose the prompt establishment of a quadripartite mechanism - consisting of authorities of the
Government of Croatia, local Serb representatives, representatives of UNPROFOR and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) - to assure that this process moves forward. Equally, Serb and Croat people formerly residing on the territory of the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia should have the right to return in peace to their former homes. Agreement was reached with regard to more resolute action concerning the return of displaced persons to their homes, and to allowing for a voluntary and humane resettlement of those persons wishing to do so between the two States.

Page 1, 3.
The two Presidents agree that the Yugoslav Army will leave Prevlaka by 20 October 1992 in accordance with the Vance Plan. Security in the area will be resolved by demilitarization and the deployment of United Nations monitors. The overall security of Boka Kotorska and Dubrovnik will be resolved through subsequent negotiations.

Page 2, 7.
The two Presidents welcome the early stationing of international observers on airfields in their respective countries as a confidence-building measure.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: Letter dated 92/10/01 from the Permanent Representative of Croatia to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/24476), Annex, pp. 2-3
http://repository.un.org/

International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia

JOINT DECLARATION

Meeting under the auspices of the Co-Chairmen of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia in Geneva, the undersigned Presidents wish to announce the following:

1. The two Presidents reaffirmed the commitments of the International Conference in London on the inviolability of existing borders, other than

through changes reached by peaceful agreement, and agreed to intensify work towards the normalization of relations between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Croatia, on the basis of mutual recognition.

All questions concerning succession to the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia will be resolved within the framework of the International Conference or, as appropriate, bilaterally.

2. Authorities of the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, in close collaboration with the United Nations Protection Force

(UNPROFOR), will undertake urgent, joint measures to ensure the peaceful return to their homes in the United Nations Protected Areas of all persons displaced therefrom who so wish.

To that end they propose the prompt establishment of a quadripartite mechanism - consisting of authorities of the Government of Croatia, local Serb representatives, representatives of UNPROFOR and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) - to assure that this process moves forward.

Equally, Serb and Croat people formerly residing on the territory of the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia should have the right to return in peace to their former homes.

Agreement was reached with regard to more resolute action concerning the return of displaced persons to their homes, and to allowing for a voluntary and humane resettlement of those persons wishing to do so between the two States.

3. The two Presidents agree that the Yugoslav Army will leave Prevlaka by 20 October 1992 in accordance with the Vance Plan.

Security in the area will be resolved by demilitarization and the deployment of United Nations monitors.

The overall security of Boka Kotorska and Dubrovnik will be resolved through subsequent negotiations.

4. The two Presidents agree to establish a Joint Interstate Committee for the consideration of all open issues and for the normalization of

relations between the sovereign Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

In order that a durable peace may be established as soon as possible, particular attention will be given to normalizing traffic and economic links.

5. The two Presidents confirm their conviction that all problems between their two States must be settled peacefully.

They pledge their best

efforts to this end.

In that connection, they will exert all their influence towards a just, peaceful solution of the current crisis enveloping Bosnia and

Herzegovina.

6. The two Presidents declare their total condemnation of all practices related to "ethnic cleansing", and commit themselves to helping reverse that

which has already happened.

They also declare that all statements or commitments made under duress, particularly those relating to land and

property, are wholly null and void.

They urge all concerned parties to cooperate fully, promptly and unconditionally with current efforts, in

particular by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and UNHCR, to free all detainees, close all detention centres, and assure safe passage of former detainees to secure and safe areas.

They further urge all parties to facilitate the safe delivery of all humanitarian assistance.

7. The two Presidents welcome the early stationing of international observers on airfields in their respective countries as a confidence-building

measure.

8. The two Presidents agree to meet again on 20 October with the Co-Chairmen.

They express their gratitude to the Co-Chairmen for convening today's meeting.

Dobrica COSIC President Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

Franjo TUDJMAN President Republic of Croatia

Witnessed by:

Cyrus R. Vance, David L. Owen

Geneva, 30 September 1992