SECURITY COUNCIL DEMANDS END TO LOOTING, BURNING IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

7 December 1995

Press Release
SC/6138

SECURITY COUNCIL DEMANDS END TO LOOTING, BURNING IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

19951207 Presidential Statement Cites Acts Near Mrkonjic Grad, Sipovo

The Security Council this afternoon demanded an immediate end to the looting and burning of houses by Bosnian Croat forces in the area of Mrkonjic Grad and Sipovo, and to similar acts committed by Bosnian Serb forces in other areas of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In a statement read out on the Council's behalf by its President, Sergey Lavrov (Russian Federation), the Council expressed deep concern over such actions, calling them dangerous and detrimental to implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina. It stressed the need for maximum restraint and cooperation from all the parties.

The meeting, which was called to order at 5:32 p.m., was adjourned at 5:38 p.m.

The full text of the Presidential statement, to be released as document S/PRST/1995/60, reads as follows:

"The Security Council expresses deep concern over the looting and burning of houses by the HVO forces in the area of Mrkonjic Grad and Sipovo, which have continued for some time, and it also notes with concern that similar acts have been committed by Bosnian Serb forces in other areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Council is also deeply concerned by reports that the HVO is moving mine laying equipment into the Mrkonjic Grad and Sipovo areas.

"The Security Council considers that such actions are dangerous and detrimental to the spirit of confidence essential for the implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina (S/1995/999, annex).

"The Security Council demands that all such actions be stopped immediately and stresses the need for all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to demonstrate the cooperation essential for the successful implementation of the Peace Agreement."

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