dubrovnik

DUBROVNIK / PREVLAKA PENINSULA
March - September 1995

Prevlaka peninsula

Prevlaka is a sward shaped peninsula, covering entrance into Kotor bay, where Yugoslavian Naval base is located. Prevlaka itself was a part of it till 1992. The alleged attack of Croats at the garrison of Prevlaka became the reason igniting fighting in the area around Dubrovnik. Eventually after heavy fighting around Dubrovnik and with the help of international mediators in October 1992 parties to conflict came to the agreement. The main sense of it was the complete demilitarization of the area of Prevlaka and adjacent areas. Under the agreement the responsibility for observation of the demilitarization was given to the UN military observers. Since then Prevlaka peninsula became the most specific part of the UN Mission in the former Yugoslavia (SCR 779). For a long period there was only one component present there - UN Military observers. Starting from October 1992 there was no significant fighting in the vicinity of the peninsula, and UNMOs were and still are the main "stability factor" in the area. Only 14 UNMOs at the beginning of the Mission in 1992, and 28 at present have observed demilitarization of the area in and around Prevlaka giving politicians and diplomats time to find peaceful way out of the crisis situation.

"International sponsors" S.Venns and J.Owen with Sector Dubrovnik SMO Maj. E.Stromblad (SWE) (Dubrovnik 1994)

This sketch presents the UN view on the situation around Prevlaka in 1992-1995. It corresponded to the map attached to the Croatian - Yugoslavian agreement sponsored by S.Venns and J.Owen in October 1992. It was a mysterious map: international mediators verbally confirmed to UN HQ its acceptance by both sides. However nobody could find the original signed copy of it. This fact drastically complicated UNMOs' task on monitoring demilitarization. Nevertheless UN supported this map with the Blue (BZ) and Yellow zones (YZ). BZ suppozed the complete demilitarization with no military presence from any side and total control by UNMOs permanantly stationed in the JNA facilities of the Prevlaka compound. YZ has a status of demilitarized zone, but both sides were allowed under the agreement to keep limited police presence with light arms. The whole history of UN presence in the area of Prevlaka is a long list of everyday efforts aimed at prevention of violations of the terms and conditions of the Agreement or minimization of consequences of such violations. The peninsula was under permanent observation from high ground on both sides. It was a kind of a quality control for UNMOs. Sector SMO had to be permanently updated on the developments in the area to be ready for extraordinary meetings with local authorities at their request.

Gates to "UNMO Paradise"

Outsiders and most of UNMOs in UNPROFOR considered Sector Dubrovnik as a kind of "UNMO resort". But in fact it was a hard and difficult every day work. Long mountain foot and vehicle patrols - to monitor and confirm demilitarized status of the area, meetings with local population (playing a role of civil affairs officers); negotiations with civilian and military authorities on both sides at different levels, settlement of numerous humanitarian problems including water supply to local communities and release of arrested fishermen - that is just a short list of main UNMO duties in the Sector. But there were a lot of others related to the self-sufficient nature of stand alone Sector. UNMOs were and are responsible for maintenance of facilities in Prevlaka compound, including Light House.

Working on both sides of the Line

With ambassador Gelbrith at Cro "Police position "Glavica"

With Herceg-Novy authorities rising Montenegrin Flag at "Two Flags building"

UN SERVICE

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*Prevlaka peninsula* Prevlaka is a sward shaped peninsula, covering entrance into Kotor bay, where Yugoslavian Naval base is located. Prevlaka itself was a part of it till 1992. The alleged attack of Croats at the garrison of Prevlaka became the reason igniting fighting in the area around Dubrovnik. Eventually after heavy fighting around Dubrovnik and with the help of international mediators in October 1992 parties to conflict came to the agreement. The main sense of it was the complete demilitarization of the area of Prevlaka and adjacent areas. Under the agreement the responsibility for observation of the demilitarization was given to the UN military observers. Since then Prevlaka peninsula became the most specific part of the UN Mission in the former Yugoslavia (SCR 779). For a long period there was only one component present there - UN Military observers. Starting from October 1992 there was no significant fighting in the vicinity of the peninsula, and UNMOs were and still are the main "stability factor" in the area. Only 14 UNMOs at the beginning of the Mission in 1992, and 28 at present have observed demilitarization of the area in and around Prevlaka giving politicians and diplomats time to find peaceful way out of the crisis situation. *"International sponsors"* *S.Venns and J.Owen with Sector Dubrovnik SMO Maj. E.Stromblad (SWE) (Dubrovnik 1994)*		This sketch presents the UN view on the situation around Prevlaka in 1992-1995. It corresponded to the map attached to the Croatian - Yugoslavian agreement sponsored by S.Venns and J.Owen in October 1992. It was a mysterious map: international mediators verbally confirmed to UN HQ its acceptance by both sides. However nobody could find the original signed copy of it. This fact drastically complicated UNMOs' task on monitoring demilitarization. Nevertheless UN supported this map with the Blue (BZ) and Yellow zones (YZ). BZ suppozed the complete demilitarization with no military presence from any side and total control by UNMOs permanantly stationed in the JNA facilities of the Prevlaka compound. YZ has a status of demilitarized zone, but both sides were allowed under the agreement to keep limited police presence with light arms. The whole history of UN presence in the area of Prevlaka is a long list of everyday efforts aimed at prevention of violations of the terms and conditions of the Agreement or minimization of consequences of such violations. The peninsula was under permanent observation from high ground on both sides. It was a kind of a quality control for UNMOs. Sector SMO had to be permanently updated on the developments in the area to be ready for extraordinary meetings with local authorities at their request.
Gates to "UNMO Paradise"	Outsiders and most of UNMOs in UNPROFOR considered Sector Dubrovnik as a kind of "UNMO resort". But in fact it was a hard and difficult every day work. Long mountain foot and vehicle patrols - to monitor and confirm demilitarized status of the area, meetings with local population (playing a role of civil affairs officers); negotiations with civilian and military authorities on both sides at different levels, settlement of numerous humanitarian problems including water supply to local communities and release of arrested fishermen - that is just a short list of main UNMO duties in the Sector. But there were a lot of others related to the self-sufficient nature of stand alone Sector. UNMOs were and are responsible for maintenance of facilities in Prevlaka compound, including Light House.
Working on both sides of the Line With ambassador Gelbrith at Cro "Police position "Glavica"		With Herceg-Novy authorities rising Montenegrin Flag at "Two Flags building"