Exchange of letters providing for establishment of Stabilization Force (SFOR)
Export agreement coding (PDF)- Country/entityBosnia and Herzegovina
Yugoslavia (former) - RegionEurope and Eurasia
Europe and Eurasia - Agreement nameExchange of letters providing for establishment of Stabilization Force (SFOR)
- Date2 Dec 1996
- Agreement statusMultiparty signed/agreed
- Interim arrangementYes
- Agreement/conflict levelInterstate/intrastate conflict(s) ( )
- StageImplementation/renegotiation
- Conflict natureGovernment/territory
- Peace processBosnia peace process
- PartiesJavier SOLANA, Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Alija IZETBEGOVIC, Kresimir ZUBAK, Momcilo KRAJISNIK, Members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
Milan MILUTINOVIC, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia;
Dr Franjo TUDJMAN, President of the Republic of Croatia; - Third partiesLetters forwarded by:
Jorge DOMECQ, Director of the Private Office of the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization;
Alastair MERRILL, Deputy Director of the Private Office of the Secretary-General; - DescriptionThis exchange of letters between the parties and the Secretary-General of NATO, provides for creation of a NATO Stablilization Force (SFOR) as a follow up to the Implementation Force (IFOR).
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
No specific mention.
- Religious groups
No specific mention.
- Indigenous people
No specific mention.
- Other groups
No specific mention.
- Refugees/displaced persons
No specific mention.
- 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
No specific mention.
- Accession/unification
No specific mention.
- Border delimitation
No specific mention.
- Cross-border provision
No specific mention.
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
No specific mention.
- Traditional/religious leaders
No specific mention.
- Public administration
No specific mention.
- ConstitutionGovernance→Constitution→Constitution affirmation/renewalI take this opportunity to remind you that we still have not concluded the task started in Dayton, Ohio of interpreting certain regulations contained in the Transit Agreement for Peace Plan Operations between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and NATO, signed on 21 and 23 November 1995. On 20 February 1996, we received a letter from Mr. B. de Vidts, Legal Adviser of NATO, which contained some interpretations of the provisions of the Transit Agreement, but these interpretations greatly departed from those agreed upon in Dayton. Pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the Transit Agreement is subject to the approval by the Federal Assembly...Governance→Constitution→Constitutional reform/makingPage 6-7, LETTER, From the Minister for Foreign Affairs of-the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, 3 December 1996
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 incorporationPage 1-2, LETTER, From the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the Members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 29 November 1996
...xAll international instruments, all public and private agreements, contracts or arrangements of any kind and description, memoranda of understanding and all other relevant instruments involving IFOR shall remain in force and shall hereinafter be read and interpreted as referring to SFOR...
Page 3, LETTER, From the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, 29 November 1996
...All international instruments, all public and private agreements, contracts or arrangements of any kind and description, memoranda of understanding and all other relevant instruments involving IFOR shall remain in force and shall hereinafter be read and interpreted as referring to SFOR...
Page 4-5, LETTER, From the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the President of Croatia, 29 November 1996
...All international instruments, all public and private agreements, contracts or arrangements of any kind and description, memoranda of understanding and all other relevant instruments involving IFOR shall remain in force and shall hereinafter be read and interpreted as referring to SFOR... - 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
No specific mention.
- Traditional Laws
No specific mention.
Socio-economic reconstruction
- Development or socio-economic reconstruction
No specific mention.
- 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
No specific mention.
- 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
No specific mention.
- Ceasefire
No specific mention.
- Police
No specific mention.
- Armed forcesPage 1, LETTER, From the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization addressed to the UN Secretary-General concerning the Stabilization Force, 2 December 1996
In my letter of 28 November, I informed you that NATO was proceeding with preparations for a follow-up force in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 29 November allies agreed that this force would be named the Stabilization Force, or SFOR, that I should seek the acceptance of the Parties to the Dayton Accords of SFOR as the successor to the Implementation Force (IFOR)...
Page 1-2, LETTER, From the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the Members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 29 November 1996
I have the honour to refer to the multinational military Implementation Force (IFOR), and the important role that it has played in the implementation of the military aspects of the Peace Agreement initialled at Dayton on 21 November 1995, and signed at Paris on 14 December 1995 (the Peace Agreement). It is understanding that Bosnia and Herzegovina would welcome a follow-up stabilization force (SFOR) to be organized and led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It is further understanding that Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes and invites action by the United Nations Security Council to continue the authorization granted in paragraphs 14 to 17 of its resolution 1031 (1995), with respect to the follow-up force and that it will cooperate fully. It is also our understanding that SFOR will be legal successor of IFOR. SFOR is entitled to the same rights, immunities, privileges and facilities as IFOR for all purposes. All international instruments, all public and private agreements, contracts or arrangements of any kind and description, memoranda of understanding and all other relevant instruments involving IFOR shall remain in force and shall hereinafter be read and interpreted as referring to SFOR...
Page 3, LETTER, From the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, 29 November 1996
I have the honour to refer to the multinational military Implementation Force (IFOR), and the important role that it has played in the implementation of the military aspects of the Peace Agreement initialled at Dayton on 21 November 1995, and signed at Paris on 14 December 1995 (the Peace Agreement). It is our understanding that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia would welcome a follow-up stabilization force (SFOR) to be organized and led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It is our further understanding that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia welcomes and invites action by the United Nations Security Council to continue the authorization granted in paragraphs 14 to 17 of its resolution 1031 (1995), with respect to the follow-up force and that it will cooperate fully. In this connection, it is also our understanding that all references to IFOR in the Peace Agreement (particularly its annexes 1-A and 2) and in all other relevant documents will be read as references to the follow-up force (SFOR). It is also our understanding that SFOR is the legal successor to IFOR. SFOR is entitled to the same rights, immunities, privileges and facilities as IFOR for all purposes. All international instruments, all public and private agreements, contracts or arrangements of any kind and description, memoranda of understanding and all other relevant instruments involving IFOR shall remain in force and shall hereinafter be read and interpreted as referring to SFOR...
Page 4-5, LETTER, From the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the President of Croatia, 29 November 1996
I have the honour to refer to the multinational military Implementation Force (IFOR), and the important role that it has played in the implementation of the military aspects of the Peace Agreement initialled at Dayton on 21 November 1995, and signed at Paris on 14 December 1995 (the Peace Agreement). It is our understanding that the Republic of Croatia would welcome a follow-up stabilization force (SFOR) to be organized and led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It is our further understanding that the Republic of Croatia welcomes and invites action by the United Nations Security Council to continue the authorization granted in paragraphs 14 to 17 of its resolution 1031 (1995), with respect to the follow-up force and that it will cooperate fully. In this connection, it is also our understanding that all references to IFOR in the Peace Agreement (particularly its annexes 1-A and 2) and in all other relevant documents will be read as references to the follow-up force (SFOR). It is also our understanding that SFOR is the legal successor to IFOR. SFOR is entitled to the same rights, immunities, privileges and facilities as IFOR for all purposes. All international instruments, all public and private agreements, contracts or arrangements of any kind and description, memoranda of understanding and all other relevant instruments involving IFOR shall remain in force and shall hereinafter be read and interpreted as referring to SFOR...
Page 7-8, LETTER, From the President of Croatia to the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, 3 December 1996
Thank you for your letter of 29 November 1996 concerning the to-date role of IFOR in enforcing the Agreement, drawn up in Dayton and signed in Paris on 14 December 1995, and the tasks of the Stabilization Force (SFOR) which would be established and conducted by NATO in the coming period to be defined by the United Nations Security Council. The Republic of Croatia, as a co-signatory of the Dayton/Paris Agreement, has been supporting the implementation of its provisions throughout the previous period in the interest of stability and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the role of IFOR in carrying out the military measures designed to ensure peace. Not only Croatia but also the international community as a whole is interested in a continued process of unreserved implementation of the accords reached. The Republic of Croatia will continue to use its influence in this direction, especially all those provisions of the Washington Agreement related to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the already mentioned Dayton/Paris Agreement. We believe that a leading role of NATO is indispensable in this process and that the stability and security in the south-east of Europe will be an additional rationale behind Croatia's accession to the Partnership for Peace and, in the foreseeable future, to NATO membership. In this connection, and on behalf of the Republic of Croatia, I wish to confirm consent to all the points of mutual understanding put forward in your letter. - DDR
No specific mention.
- Intelligence services
No specific mention.
- Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces
No specific mention.
- Withdrawal of foreign forces
No specific mention.
- 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
No specific mention.
- Vetting
No specific mention.
- Victims
No specific mention.
- Missing persons
No specific mention.
- Reparations
No specific mention.
- Reconciliation
No specific mention.
Implementation
- UN signatoryUN Secretary-General is the recipient of letter exchange
- Other international signatory
No specific mention.
- Referendum for agreement
No specific mention.
- International mission/force/similarPage 1, LETTER, From the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization addressed to the UN Secretary-General concerning the Stabilization Force, 2 December 1996
In my letter of 28 November, I informed you that NATO was proceeding with preparations for a follow-up force in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 29 November allies agreed that this force would be named the Stabilization Force, or SFOR, that I should seek the acceptance of the Parties to the Dayton Accords of SFOR as the successor to the Implementation Force (IFOR)...
Page 1-2, LETTER, From the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the Members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 29 November 1996
I have the honour to refer to the multinational military Implementation Force (IFOR), and the important role that it has played in the implementation of the military aspects of the Peace Agreement initialled at Dayton on 21 November 1995, and signed at Paris on 14 December 1995 (the Peace Agreement). It is understanding that Bosnia and Herzegovina would welcome a follow-up stabilization force (SFOR) to be organized and led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It is further understanding that Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes and invites action by the United Nations Security Council to continue the authorization granted in paragraphs 14 to 17 of its resolution 1031 (1995), with respect to the follow-up force and that it will cooperate fully. It is also our understanding that SFOR will be legal successor of IFOR. SFOR is entitled to the same rights, immunities, privileges and facilities as IFOR for all purposes. All international instruments, all public and private agreements, contracts or arrangements of any kind and description, memoranda of understanding and all other relevant instruments involving IFOR shall remain in force and shall hereinafter be read and interpreted as referring to SFOR...
Page 2, LETTER, From the Members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, 30 November 1996
We refer to your letter of 29 November 1996, concerning the status of a follow-up stabilization force in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be organized and led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina herewith acknowledges receipt of your letter and confirms concurrence with its contents in full. We understand that the Presidency shall be consulted on the duration of the mandate.
Page 3, LETTER, From the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, 29 November 1996
I have the honour to refer to the multinational military Implementation Force (IFOR), and the important role that it has played in the implementation of the military aspects of the Peace Agreement initialled at Dayton on 21 November 1995, and signed at Paris on 14 December 1995 (the Peace Agreement). It is our understanding that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia would welcome a follow-up stabilization force (SFOR) to be organized and led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It is our further understanding that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia welcomes and invites action by the United Nations Security Council to continue the authorization granted in paragraphs 14 to 17 of its resolution 1031 (1995), with respect to the follow-up force and that it will cooperate fully. In this connection, it is also our understanding that all references to IFOR in the Peace Agreement (particularly its annexes 1-A and 2) and in all other relevant documents will be read as references to the follow-up force (SFOR). It is also our understanding that SFOR is the legal successor to IFOR. SFOR is entitled to the same rights, immunities, privileges and facilities as IFOR for all purposes. All international instruments, all public and private agreements, contracts or arrangements of any kind and description, memoranda of understanding and all other relevant instruments involving IFOR shall remain in force and shall hereinafter be read and interpreted as referring to SFOR...
Page 4-5, LETTER, From the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the President of Croatia, 29 November 1996
I have the honour to refer to the multinational military Implementation Force (IFOR), and the important role that it has played in the implementation of the military aspects of the Peace Agreement initialled at Dayton on 21 November 1995, and signed at Paris on 14 December 1995 (the Peace Agreement). It is our understanding that the Republic of Croatia would welcome a follow-up stabilization force (SFOR) to be organized and led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It is our further understanding that the Republic of Croatia welcomes and invites action by the United Nations Security Council to continue the authorization granted in paragraphs 14 to 17 of its resolution 1031 (1995), with respect to the follow-up force and that it will cooperate fully. In this connection, it is also our understanding that all references to IFOR in the Peace Agreement (particularly its annexes 1-A and 2) and in all other relevant documents will be read as references to the follow-up force (SFOR). It is also our understanding that SFOR is the legal successor to IFOR.
SFOR is entitled to the same rights, immunities, privileges and facilities as IFOR for all purposes. All international instruments, all public and private agreements, contracts or arrangements of any kind and description, memoranda of understanding and all other relevant instruments involving IFOR shall remain in force and shall hereinafter be read and interpreted as referring to SFOR...
Page 6, LETTER, From the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, 3 December 1996
I refer to your letter of 29 November 1996, concerning the status of a follow-up Stabilization Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be organized and led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. On behalf of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, I herewith acknowledge receipt of your letter and confirm concurrence with its contents in full.
Page 6-7, LETTER, From the Minister for Foreign Affairs of-the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, 3 December 1996
I take this opportunity to remind you that we still have not concluded the task started in Dayton, Ohio of interpreting certain regulations contained in the Transit Agreement for Peace Plan Operations between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and NATO, signed on 21 and 23 November 1995. On 20 February 1996, we received a letter from Mr. B. de Vidts, Legal Adviser of NATO, which contained some interpretations of the provisions of the Transit Agreement, but these interpretations greatly departed from those agreed upon in Dayton. Pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the Transit Agreement is subject to the approval by the Federal Assembly. Pending the approval, it is implemented on a temporary basis. In my previous letters I explained to you that your confirmation as to the meaning of certain regulations contained in the Transit Agreement, set forth in Dayton, would be of great importance in the procedure of granting the approval to the Transit Agreement by the Federal Assembly. In his letter of 30 April 1996, General George Joulwan (SACEUR) informed me that the matter would be reviewed by the competent officials and that I would shortly be informed thereof. Since I have not received any reply so far, I kindly ask you to intercede so that the competent NATO authorities may confirm in a letter the interpretation of the Transit Agreement agreed upon in Dayton. I am sending you, enclosed herewith, a copy of the text "Understandings Regarding Certain Provisions of the Agreement Between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Concerning Transit Arrangements for Peace Plan Operations", set forth in Dayton...
Page 7-8, LETTER, From the President of Croatia to the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, 3 December 1996
Thank you for your letter of 29 November 1996 concerning the to-date role of IFOR in enforcing the Agreement, drawn up in Dayton and signed in Paris on 14 December 1995, and the tasks of the Stabilization Force (SFOR) which would be established and conducted by NATO in the coming period to be defined by the United Nations Security Council. The Republic of Croatia, as a co-signatory of the Dayton/Paris Agreement, has been supporting the implementation of its provisions throughout the previous period in the interest of stability and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the role of IFOR in carrying out the military measures designed to ensure peace. Not only Croatia but also the international community as a whole is interested in a continued process of unreserved implementation of the accords reached. The Republic of Croatia will continue to use its influence in this direction, especially all those provisions of the Washington Agreement related to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the already mentioned Dayton/Paris Agreement. We believe that a leading role of NATO is indispensable in this process and that the stability and security in the south-east of Europe will be an additional rationale behind Croatia's accession to the Partnership for Peace and, in the foreseeable future, to NATO membership. In this connection, and on behalf of the Republic of Croatia, I wish to confirm consent to all the points of mutual understanding put forward in your letter. - Enforcement mechanism
No specific mention.
- Related cases
No specific mention.
- SourceSnezana Trifunovska (ed.) Former Yugoslavia Through Documents: From its dissolution to the peace settlement (The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff 1999) pp. 584-589
LETTER
From the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization addressed to the UN Secretary-General concerning the Stabilization Force]
2 December 1996
In my letter of 28 November, I informed you that NATO was proceeding with preparations for a follow-up force in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
On 29 November allies agreed that this force would be named the Stabilization Force, or SFOR, that I should seek the acceptance of the Parties to the Dayton Accords of SFOR as the successor to the Implementation Force (IFOR).
I enclose for your information a copy of the letter sent to the members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina on SFOR and a copy of their response.
I have sent similar letters to the President Milosevic and President Tudjman (also enclose) and am awaiting their response.
(Signed) Javier SOLANA
ENCLOSURE I
LETTER
From the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the Members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina 29 November 1996
I have the honour to refer to the multinational military Implementation Force (IFOR), and the important role that it has played in the implementation of the military aspects of the Peace Agreement initialled at Dayton on 21 November 1995, and signed at Paris on 14 December 1995 (the Peace Agreement).
It is understanding that Bosnia and Herzegovina would welcome a follow-up stabilization force (SFOR) to be organized and led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
It is further understanding that Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes and invites action by the United Nations Security Council to continue the authorization granted in paragraphs 14 to 17 of its resolution 1031 (1995), with respect to the follow-up force and that it will cooperate fully.
In this connection, it is also our understanding that all references to IFOR in the Peace Agreement (particularly its annexes 1-A and 2) and in all other relevant documents will be read as references to the follow-up force (SFOR).
It is also our understanding that SFOR will be legal successor of IFOR.
SFOR is entitled to the same rights, immunities, privileges and facilities as IFOR for all purposes.
All international instruments, all public and private agreements, contracts or arrangements of any kind and description, memoranda of understanding and all other relevant instruments involving IFOR shall remain in force and shall hereinafter be read and interpreted as referring to SFOR.
I would appreciate your confirmation of these understandings on behalf of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including its constituent entities the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska.
(Signed) Javier SOLANA
ENCLOSURE II
LETTER
From the Members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
30 November 1996
We refer to your letter of 29 November 1996, concerning the status of a follow-up stabilization force in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be organized and led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
The Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina herewith acknowledges receipt of your letter and confirms concurrence with its contents in full.
We understand that the Presidency shall be consulted on the duration of the mandate.
(Signed) Alija IZETBEGOVIC
(Signed) Kresimir ZUBAK
(Signed) Momcilo KRAJISNIK
ENCLOSURE III
LETTER
From the Director of the Private Office of the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the Charge d'affaires a.i.
of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia transmitting a letter from the Secretary-General to the President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
29 November 1996
I would be grateful if you could forward the enclosed letter from the Secretary-General to His Excellency President Slobodan Milosevic.
For your information, it should be noted that a comparable letter has been sent to the President of the Republic of Croatia and the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
(Signed) Jorge DOMECQ
ENCLOSURE IV
LETTER
From the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
29 November 1996
I have the honour to refer to the multinational military Implementation Force (IFOR), and the important role that it has played in the implementation of the military aspects of the Peace Agreement initialled at Dayton on 21 November 1995, and signed at Paris on 14 December 1995 (the Peace Agreement).
It is our understanding that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia would welcome a follow-up stabilization force (SFOR) to be organized and led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
It is our further understanding that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia welcomes and invites action by the United Nations Security Council to continue the authorization granted in paragraphs 14 to 17 of its resolution 1031 (1995), with respect to the follow-up force and that it will cooperate fully.
In this connection, it is also our understanding that all references to IFOR in the Peace Agreement (particularly its annexes 1-A and 2) and in all other relevant documents will be read as references to the follow-up force (SFOR).
It is also our understanding that SFOR is the legal successor to IFOR.
SFOR is entitled to the same rights, immunities, privileges and facilities as IFOR for all purposes.
All international instruments, all public and private agreements, contracts or arrangements of any kind and description, memoranda of understanding and all other relevant instruments involving IFOR shall remain in force and shall hereinafter be read and interpreted as referring to SFOR.
I would appreciate your confirmation of these understandings on behalf of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
(Signed) Javier SOLANA
ENCLOSURE V
LETTER
From the Director of the Private Office of the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the Ambassador of Croatia transmitting a letter from the Secretary-Genera) to the President of Croatia
29 November 1996
I would be grateful if you could forward the enclosed letter from the Secretary-General to the President of Croatia, His Excellency Dr. Franjo Tudjman.
For your information, it should be noted that a comparable letter has been sent to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and His Excellency Mr. Milosevic.
(Signed) Jorge DOMECQ
ENCLOSURE VI
LETTER
From the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the President of Croatia
29 November 1996
I have the honour to refer to the multinational military Implementation Force (IFOR), and the important role that it has played in the implementation of the military aspects of the Peace Agreement initialled at Dayton on 21 November 1995, and signed at Paris on 14 December 1995 (the Peace Agreement).
It is our understanding that the Republic of Croatia would welcome a follow-up stabilization force (SFOR) to be organized and led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
It is our further understanding that the Republic of Croatia welcomes and invites action by the United Nations Security Council to continue the authorization granted in paragraphs 14 to 17 of its resolution 1031 (1995), with respect to the follow-up force and that it will cooperate fully.
In this connection, it is also our understanding that all references to IFOR in the Peace Agreement (particularly its annexes 1-A and 2) and in all other relevant documents will be read as references to the follow-up force (SFOR).
It is also our understanding that SFOR is the legal successor to IFOR.
SFOR is entitled to the same rights, immunities, privileges and facilities as IFOR for all purposes.
All international instruments, all public and private agreements, contracts or arrangements of any kind and description, memoranda of understanding and all other relevant instruments involving IFOR shall remain in force and shall hereinafter be read and interpreted as referring to SFOR.
I would appreciate your confirmation of these understandings on behalf of the Republic of Croatia.
(Signed) Javier SOLANA
ANNEX II
LETTER
From the Deputy Director of the Private Office of the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization addressed to the Secretary-General
4 December 1996
Please find attached for your information a copy of the letter to the Secretary-General of NATO from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia responding positively to his letter of 29 November on the Stabilization Force.
I also enclose a letter from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia concerning the transit agreement between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and NATO.
(Signed) Alastair MERRILL
ENCLOSURE I
LETTER
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
3 December 1996
I refer to your letter of 29 November 1996, concerning the status of a follow-up Stabilization Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be organized and led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
On behalf of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, I herewith acknowledge receipt of your letter and confirm concurrence with its contents in full.
(Signed) Milan MILUTINOVIC
ENCLOSURE II
LETTER
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs of-the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
3 December 1996
I take this opportunity to remind you that we still have not concluded the task started in Dayton, Ohio of interpreting certain regulations contained in the Transit Agreement for Peace Plan Operations between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and NATO, signed on 21 and 23 November 1995.
On 20 February 1996, we received a letter from Mr. B. de Vidts, Legal Adviser of NATO, which contained some interpretations of the provisions of the Transit Agreement, but these interpretations greatly departed from those agreed upon in Dayton.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the Transit Agreement is subject to the approval by the Federal Assembly.
Pending the approval, it is implemented on a temporary basis.
In my previous letters I explained to you that your confirmation as to the meaning of certain regulations contained in the Transit Agreement, set forth in Dayton, would be of great importance in the procedure of granting the approval to the Transit Agreement by the Federal Assembly.
In his letter of 30 April 1996, General George Joulwan (SACEUR) informed me that the matter would be reviewed by the competent officials and that I would shortly be informed thereof.
Since I have not received any reply so far, I kindly ask you to intercede so that the competent NATO authorities may confirm in a letter the interpretation of the Transit Agreement agreed upon in Dayton.
I am sending you, enclosed herewith, a copy of the text "Understandings Regarding Certain Provisions of the Agreement Between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Concerning Transit Arrangements for Peace Plan Operations", set forth in Dayton.
I look forward to your reply.
(Signed) Milan MILUTINOVIC
ANNEX III
LETTER
From the Deputy Director of the Private Office of the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization addressed to the Secretary-General
4 December 1996
Please find attached for your information a copy of the letter to the Secretary-General of NATO from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, together with a courtesy translation, responding positively to his letter of 29 November on the Stabilization Force.
(Signed) Alastair MERRILL
Deputy Director of the Private Office
ENCLOSURE I
LETTER
From the President of Croatia to the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
3 December 1996
Thank you for your letter of 29 November 1996 concerning the to-date role of IFOR in enforcing the Agreement, drawn up in Dayton and signed in Paris on 14 December 1995, and the tasks of the Stabilization Force (SFOR) which would be established and conducted by NATO in the coming period to be defined by the United Nations Security Council.
The Republic of Croatia, as a co-signatory of the Dayton/Paris Agreement, has been supporting the implementation of its provisions throughout the previous period in the interest of stability and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the role of IFOR in carrying out the military measures designed to ensure peace.
Not only Croatia but also the international community as a whole is interested in a continued process of unreserved implementation of the accords reached.
The Republic of Croatia will continue to use its influence in this direction, especially all those provisions of the Washington Agreement related to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the already mentioned Dayton/Paris Agreement.
We believe that a leading role of NATO is indispensable in this process and that the stability and security in the south-east of Europe will be an additional rationale behind Croatia's accession to the Partnership for Peace and, in the foreseeable future, to NATO membership.
In this connection, and on behalf of the Republic of Croatia, I wish to confirm consent to all the points of mutual understanding put forward in your letter.
Dr Franjo TUDJMAN
President of the Republic of Croatia