Joint Statement, Split, Croatia

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Country/entity: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Yugoslavia (former)
Region: Europe and Eurasia
Agreement name: Joint Statement, Split, Croatia
Date: 6 Aug 1997
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
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: Implementation/renegotiation
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Bosnia peace process
Parties: The delegation of the Republic of Croatia, led by President Franjo Tudjman; the delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by the President of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Alija Izetbegovic; and the highest officials of the Federation Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by Vladimir Soljic
Third parties: -
Description: This agreement reaffirms the parties' commitment to implementation of existing peace agreements, and provides for measures to support cross-border cooperation between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia. It also addresses cooperation with criminal tribunals, refugee return and the role of the media in promoting reconciliation.

Agreement document: BA_970806_Joint Statement at Split.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→Rhetorical
Page 1,
...The parties have confirmed their joint commitment to the preservation and strengthening of the integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, structured constitutionally as a State of three equal constituent nations and two multi-ethnic entities,...

Page 1,
...The implementation of the Washington agreement on the strengthening of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina considered by all a particularly important contribution to the peace process and an irreplaceable framework for the attainment of equal national, political and other interests of the Croat and Bosniac peoples...

Page 1-2,
...An important role in the implementation of the Dayton and Washington agreements is played by the Council for Cooperation between the Republic of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has had a positive effect on promoting the relations between the two States and strengthening cooperation between the Croat and Bosniac peoples, especially in affirming the policy of mutual confidence and reconciliation based on equality and mutual respect of national identity and other values. All the political, social, media and other institutions, communities and associations in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina are called upon to continue affirming the values of coexistence.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Substantive
Page 3,
...The parties reaffirmed the right to an organized, voluntary and safe return of refugees to their homes along with protection from intimidation and the adoption of the required legislation. The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will prepare, in coordination with the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and within the shortest time, an integral programme of return. The Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Government of the Federation will agree on the necessary steps for assistance in reconstruction and development in order to promote return. Particular emphasis was placed on the requirement to intensify overall activity in the discovery of persons missing during the war...
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: Page 1,
...The parties have confirmed their joint commitment to the preservation and strengthening of the integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, structured constitutionally as a State of three equal constituent nations and two multi-ethnic entities, which will strengthen reciprocal relations within Bosnia and Herzegovina and cooperate with neighbouring States in accordance with the Dayton agreements and the Political Declaration of the Peace Implementation Council in Sintra.
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: Page 1,
...The delegation of the Republic of Croatia, led by President Franjo Tudjman, the delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by the President of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Alija Izetbegovic, and the highest officials of the Federation Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by Vladimir Soljic, held a meeting in Split on 6 August 1997, at which they comprehensively examined the implementation of the Dayton and Washington agreements, the development of cooperation between the Republic of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in particular the strengthening of relations in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its cooperation with the Republic of Croatia...

Page 1-2,
...An important role in the implementation of the Dayton and Washington agreements is played by the Council for Cooperation between the Republic of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has had a positive effect on promoting the relations between the two States and strengthening cooperation between the Croat and Bosniac peoples, especially in affirming the policy of mutual confidence and reconciliation based on equality and mutual respect of national identity and other values. All the political, social, media and other institutions, communities and associations in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina are called upon to continue affirming the values of coexistence.

Page 2,
...In order to promote cooperation on the basis of existing agreements, it has been agreed to exchange, by 1 September 1997, the draft agreement intended to regulate the relations between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and to establish the council for cooperation between the two countries, and also the draft agreement on the establishment of the council for cooperation between the Republic of Croatia and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will define special contractual relations between Croatia and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in accordance with the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Dayton and Washington agreements, the Sintra Declaration and the conclusions of the Office of the High Representative...

Page 2,
...In the spirit of this mutual political commitment, it has been agreed that a special mixed legal-political group will, within three months, harmonize the signed bilateral agreements and prepare other agreements of mutual interest. In this process particular consideration will be given to the termination of negotiations on a permanent solution for the use of the port of Ploce and passage through the municipality of Neum, as well as to the agreement on property-legal relations, protection of investments, dual citizenship and so on...

Page 2,
...The parties have confirmed the particular interest of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening economic cooperation. It has been agreed that an expert group will immediately prepare a programme of measures for promoting economic cooperation, balancing trade, amending the custom-free trade regime, in particular the trade in energy sources, and other issues related to the implementation of the Agreement on Economic Cooperation and Trade...

Page 2-3,
...It has been agreed, through a special annex to the Agreement on Border Crossings, to allow immediately for the opening of new border crossings along the entire frontier. A joint border and customs post will be established at the border crossing Brcko-Gunla in accordance with the decisions of the Arbitration Commission. The preparation of the proposal for the arrangement and construction of joint border crossings will start immediately and international institutions will be invited to participate in the financing of specific projects...

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): Governance→Political institutions (new or reformed)→General references
Page 1,
...The parties have jointly confirmed their readiness for consistent, comprehensive and accelerated implementation of the peace agreements in order to strengthen peace and establish functional democratic institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and overall normalization of relations in this part of Europe...
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.
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: Rights related issues→Citizenship→Citizen, general
Page 2,
...In the spirit of this mutual political commitment, it has been agreed that a special mixed legal-political group will, within three months, harmonize the signed bilateral agreements and prepare other agreements of mutual interest. In this process particular consideration will be given to the termination of negotiations on a permanent solution for the use of the port of Ploce and passage through the municipality of Neum, as well as to the agreement on property-legal relations, protection of investments, dual citizenship and so on...
Democracy: Page 1,
...The parties have jointly confirmed their readiness for consistent, comprehensive and accelerated implementation of the peace agreements in order to strengthen peace and establish functional democratic institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and overall normalization of relations in this part of Europe...
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media roles
Page 1-2,
...An important role in the implementation of the Dayton and Washington agreements is played by the Council for Cooperation between the Republic of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has had a positive effect on promoting the relations between the two States and strengthening cooperation between the Croat and Bosniac peoples, especially in affirming the policy of mutual confidence and reconciliation based on equality and mutual respect of national identity and other values. All the political, social, media and other institutions, communities and associations in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina are called upon to continue affirming the values of coexistence...

Page 3,
...It was considered by all that the media play a particularly important role in developing a positive relationship towards the strengthening of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and overall implementation of the peace agreements. In this regard, the media are called upon to contribute to reaffirmation of confidence and reconciliation in the spirit of this statement and in accordance with the freedom and independence of the media.
Mobility/access: Page 2-3,
...It has been agreed, through a special annex to the Agreement on Border Crossings, to allow immediately for the opening of new border crossings along the entire frontier. A joint border and customs post will be established at the border crossing Brcko-Gunla in accordance with the decisions of the Arbitration Commission. The preparation of the proposal for the arrangement and construction of joint border crossings will start immediately and international institutions will be invited to participate in the financing of specific projects...
Protection measures: Rights related issues→Protection measures→Protection of groups
Page 3,
… return of refugees to their homes along with protection from intimidation and the adoption of the required legislation.
Rights related issues→Protection measures→Other
Page 2,
In this process particular consideration will be given to the termination of negotiations on a permanent solution for the use of the port of Ploce and passage through the municipality of Neum, as well as to the agreement on property-legal relations, protection of investments, dual citizenship and so on.
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: Page 2-3,
...It has been agreed, through a special annex to the Agreement on Border Crossings, to allow immediately for the opening of new border crossings along the entire frontier. A joint border and customs post will be established at the border crossing Brcko-Gunla in accordance with the decisions of the Arbitration Commission. The preparation of the proposal for the arrangement and construction of joint border crossings will start immediately and international institutions will be invited to participate in the financing of specific projects...
Business: Page 2,
...The parties have confirmed the particular interest of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening economic cooperation. It has been agreed that an expert group will immediately prepare a programme of measures for promoting economic cooperation, balancing trade, amending the custom-free trade regime, in particular the trade in energy sources, and other issues related to the implementation of the Agreement on Economic Cooperation and Trade...
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: Page 2,
...In the spirit of this mutual political commitment, it has been agreed that a special mixed legal-political group will, within three months, harmonize the signed bilateral agreements and prepare other agreements of mutual interest. In this process particular consideration will be given to the termination of negotiations on a permanent solution for the use of the port of Ploce and passage through the municipality of Neum, as well as to the agreement on property-legal relations, protection of investments, dual citizenship and so on...

Security sector

Security Guarantees: No specific mention.
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: 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: Transitional justice→Courts→International courts
Page 3,
...Cooperation with the International War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague will continue. It is the joint conviction that the process of law and the trials should reflect an objective attitude towards the level of involvement of sides and individuals...
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: Page 3,
...The parties reaffirmed the right to an organized, voluntary and safe return of refugees to their homes along with protection from intimidation and the adoption of the required legislation. The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will prepare, in coordination with the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and within the shortest time, an integral programme of return. The Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Government of the Federation will agree on the necessary steps for assistance in reconstruction and development in order to promote return. Particular emphasis was placed on the requirement to intensify overall activity in the discovery of persons missing during the war...
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: Page 1-2,
...An important role in the implementation of the Dayton and Washington agreements is played by the Council for Cooperation between the Republic of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has had a positive effect on promoting the relations between the two States and strengthening cooperation between the Croat and Bosniac peoples, especially in affirming the policy of mutual confidence and reconciliation based on equality and mutual respect of national identity and other values. All the political, social, media and other institutions, communities and associations in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina are called upon to continue affirming the values of coexistence...

Page 3,
...It was considered by all that the media play a particularly important role in developing a positive relationship towards the strengthening of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and overall implementation of the peace agreements. In this regard, the media are called upon to contribute to reaffirmation of confidence and reconciliation in the spirit of this statement and in accordance with the freedom and independence of the media.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: Snezana Trifunovska (ed.) Former Yugoslavia Through Documents: From its dissolution to the peace settlement (The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff 1999) pp.629-630

JOINT STATEMENT

Issued at Split, Croatia, on 6 August 1997

The delegation of the Republic of Croatia, led by President Franjo Tudjman, the delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by the President of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Alija Izetbegovic, and the highest officials of the Federation Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by Vladimir Soljic, held a meeting in Split on 6 August 1997, at which they comprehensively examined the implementation of the Dayton and Washington agreements, the development of cooperation between the Republic of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in particular the strengthening of relations in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its cooperation with the Republic of Croatia.

The parties have jointly confirmed their readiness for consistent, comprehensive and accelerated implementation of the peace agreements in order to strengthen peace and establish functional democratic institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and overall normalization of relations in this part of Europe.

The parties have confirmed their joint commitment to the preservation and strengthening of the integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, structured constitutionally as a State of three equal constituent nations and two multi-ethnic entities, which will strengthen reciprocal relations within Bosnia and Herzegovina and cooperate with neighbouring States in accordance with the Dayton agreements and the Political Declaration of the Peace Implementation Council in Sintra.

The implementation of the Washington agreement on the strengthening of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina considered by all a particularly important contribution to the peace process and an irreplaceable framework for the attainment of equal national, political and other interests of the Croat and Bosniac peoples.

An important role in the implementation of the Dayton and Washington agreements is played by the Council for Cooperation between the Republic of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has had a positive effect on promoting the relations between the two States and strengthening cooperation between the Croat and Bosniac peoples, especially in affirming the policy of mutual confidence and reconciliation based on equality and mutual respect of national identity and other values.

All the political, social, media and other institutions, communities and associations in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina are called upon to continue affirming the values of coexistence.

In order to promote cooperation on the basis of existing agreements, it has been agreed to exchange, by 1 September 1997, the draft agreement intended to regulate the relations between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and to establish the council for cooperation between the two countries, and also the draft agreement on the establishment of the council for cooperation between the Republic of Croatia and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will define special contractual relations between Croatia and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in accordance with the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Dayton and Washington agreements, the Sintra Declaration and the conclusions of the Office of the High Representative.

In the spirit of this mutual political commitment, it has been agreed that a special mixed legal-political group will, within three months, harmonize the signed bilateral agreements and prepare other agreements of mutual interest.

In this process particular consideration will be given to the termination of negotiations on a permanent solution for the use of the port of Ploce and passage through the municipality of Neum, as well as to the agreement on property-legal relations, protection of investments, dual citizenship and so on.

The parties have confirmed the particular interest of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening economic cooperation.

It has been agreed that an expert group will immediately prepare a programme of measures for promoting economic cooperation, balancing trade, amending the custom-free trade regime, in particular the trade in energy sources, and other issues related to the implementation of the Agreement on Economic Cooperation and Trade.

It has been agreed, through a special annex to the Agreement on Border Crossings, to allow immediately for the opening of new border crossings along the entire frontier.

A joint border and customs post will be established at the border crossing Brcko-Gunla in accordance with the decisions of the Arbitration Commission.

The preparation of the proposal for the arrangement and construction of joint border crossings will start immediately and international institutions will be invited to participate in the financing of specific projects.

Cooperation with the International War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague will continue.

It is the joint conviction that the process of law and the trials should reflect an objective attitude towards the level of involvement of sides and individuals.

The parties reaffirmed the right to an organized, voluntary and safe return of refugees to their homes along with protection from intimidation and the adoption of the required legislation.

The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will prepare, in coordination with the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and within the shortest time, an integral programme of return.

The Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Government of the Federation will agree on the necessary steps for assistance in reconstruction and development in order to promote return.

Particular emphasis was placed on the requirement to intensify overall activity in the discovery of persons missing during the war.

It was considered by all that the media play a particularly important role in developing a positive relationship towards the strengthening of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and overall implementation of the peace agreements.

In this regard, the media are called upon to contribute to reaffirmation of confidence and reconciliation in the spirit of this statement and in accordance with the freedom and independence of the media.