The violent events in Mostar on 10 February -- and the failure of the International Police Task Force (IPTF) and the Stabilisation Force (SFOR) to either anticipate or control them -- constitute a mortal threat to the peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to the continued existence of the Bosniac-Croat Federation.

Urgent measures are now required to repair the damage:

• SFOR must take stronger and more consistent steps to anticipate and forestall civil violence in Mostar.
   
• IPTF must investigate the events on 10 February and publish the results of its investigation.  Among the issues the investigation must cover is the apparent failure of SFOR and IPTF to maintain a deterrent presence in Mostar on 10 February.
   
• The individuals found responsible for the unprovoked attack must be arrested and tried in an effective court.

The international community’s response to the violence will serve as a litmus test of the determination of SFOR, IPTF, and the international civilian authorities in Bosnia in implementing and enforcing the Brcko arbitration panel’s decision expected on 14 February.  The parties to the Brcko dispute will draw lessons and behave accordingly.

Sarajevo, 13 February 1997