June 1993 | Voices from the Drina

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The improvised “power plants” that were first appeared last autumn are multiplying. Not only in the town but in the villages too, where it’s even easier to set up. (1/2)

Every village stream is being used and the entire enclave is illuminated again. Of course the light flickers on and off because the voltage constantly changes, but it’s better than oily cloths that stink and offer only a weak light. (2/2)

🧵 As the Bosnian Ambassador to the UN, I am utterly unsatisfied by the Sec Council’s adoption of resolution 836 today.

The resolution mandates UNPROFOR troops in “safe areas” to act in “self-defence” but eschews the use of words like ‘protect’ or ‘defend’.

This resolution appears to be diplomatic cover for some of its co-sponsors to mitigate the need and responsibility for more resolute and comprehensive measures.

This resolution is symptomatic of the continuing lack of will among the international community to confront Serb attacks on Bosniak enclaves

Kravica has now fallen to Serb forces. We’re fleeing Cerska before the Serbs get here.

New Zealand supports resolution 836 on the understanding that force, in the form of air strikes, could be pursued if UNPROFOR were prevented from carrying out its tasks or if humanitarian assistance continues to be interdicted. (1/2)

Serb forces should be told to cease activities in and around safe areas or face swift consequences. Any message less than this would be, in our view, gravely damaging to the Council’s reputation, and indeed, to the United Nations as a whole. (2/2)

Resolution 836 is a serious package of effective and genuinely practicable measures. Any armed incursions into safe areas, and any hindrance to the delivery of humanitarian assistance would be stopped by UN forces by using all necessary means, including the use of armed force.

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