|


JANUARY
4 January -
President of the Republic of Croatia Franjo Tudjman made decision to establish
the Council of National Defense and Protection of the Constitutional Order of
the Republic of Croatia.
9 January -
The Presidency of the SFRY made out the Order of dismantling all irregular
forces and delivering the weapons illegally brought in the country to the
nearest authorized institutions or units of the Yugoslav National Army.
17 January -
The Assembly of SFRY stated that there could be no recognition of any of the
Yugoslav republics until all points connected with the right to self-
determination
and secession had been definitely cleared up.
20 January -
At the request of the Government of the Republic of Croatia the Presidency of
the SFRY approved to extend the time-
limit
for disarming and dismantling the illegal armed forces. Stjepan Mesic Vice
President of the Presidency of the SFRY declared at the Convention of the
Croatian Democratic Union that Croatia had purchased weapons for its police
through the trading network, and that Croatia committed itself for self-
defense
and therefore the reserve police forces were given the same authority as the
regular police. In his opinion, the only paramilitary forces in Croatia were
those in Kninska Krajina.
24 January -
The military police arrested a certain number of persons in Croatia on the
suspicion of being involved in organizing and providing illegal paramilitary
units with arms.
25 January -
The Presidency of the SFRY issued a statement on the compulsory demobilization
of the reserve police forces in Croatia.
Several Yugoslav TV centers broadcasted a documentary film of the Information
Center of the Federal Ministry of Defense on the illegal arms export from
Hungary to Croatia.
The Assembly of Macedonia adopted the Declaration of independence of this
republic as well as the Platform for negotiations about the future of
Yugoslavia.
27 January -
The Assembly of Macedonia elected Kiro Gligorov President of the SR
Macedonia.
30 January -
Izetbegovic-
Gligorov
talks took place in Sarajevo. It was assessed that Bosnia-
Herzegovina
and Macedonia were truly interested in preserving Yugoslavia.
31 January -
The Court Martial in Zagreb issued a warrant for arresting Martin Spegelj,
Minister of Defense of Croatia for his involvement in illegal arms export to
Croatia. The Council of National Defense of Croatia threw out the charges and
Spegelj was not arrested.
The Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the Charter announcing that it
would initiate the procedure of disassociation from Yugoslavia.
FEBRUARY
2 February -
The tension grew in Slavonia and Baranja. The meeting of the regional
organization of the Serbian Democratic Party took place as well as the rallies
in Vukovar, Beli Manastir and other towns.
6 February -
The delegation of the Council of Europe (Fernadez Ordones and Catherine
Lalumiere) visited Yugoslavia. It was assessed that if Yugoslavia wished to
join the Council of Europe the first condition it had to fulfill was to
peacefully resolve its crisis and hold multiparty elections for the Federal
Assembly.
7 February -
At the session of the Presidency of the SFRY that took place in Belgrade Janez
Drnovsek declared that Slovenia would formally initiate the procedure for
disassociation from Yugoslavia announced in the Charter of the Assembly of
Slovenia adopted on 31 January.
16 February -
Special police units of the Croatian Interior Ministry arrived to the Plitvice
Lakes area, causing numerous protests and complaints of the local Serbian
population.
20 February -
Assembly of Slovenia adopted amendment to the Constitution of the Republic
according to which Slovenia is defined as an independent state, that will as
one of successors to the SFRY regulate its relations with other states on the
basis of international law.
22 February -
Slobodan Milosevic, President of the Republic of Serbia, and Momir Bulatovic,
President of the Presidency of the Republic of Montenegro, submitted a common
draft on principles of constitutional organization of Yugoslavia as a
democratic federation.
26 February -
Constitutional Committee of the SFRY Assembly submitted to the SFRY Assembly a
Declaration for the New Agreement on Yugoslav Community, and obliged republican
parliaments to respect the Constitution of SFRY and federal laws until the
adoption of the said Declaration.
28 February -
Serbian National Council of the Serbian Autonomous Region of Krajina adopted a
Declaration on independence and secession from Croatia, by which Krajina would
remain in Yugoslavia.
MARCH
2-3 March - Units of the Croatian police tried to take over militia outpost in Pakrac, thus
causing armed confrontation with Serbs. At the order of SFRY Presidency units
of the Yugoslav People's Army (YPA) interfered in order to prevent inter-
ethnic conflicts.
6 March - Assembly of Slovenia declared moratorium on sending Slovenian draftees to YPA.
9 March - Opposition parties staged mass demonstrations in Belgrade against the
authorities in Serbia. Harsh conflicts occurred between demonstrators and
militia. Two persons were killed, and several wounded.
12-14 March - SFRY Presidency at its session in the capacity of Supreme Command refused the
proposal of the Supreme Command Headquarters to raise the YPA combat readiness
due to impaired political and security situation in the country. Dissatisfied
with such decision of the Presidency, its President Borisav Jovic resigned on
March 15, and a day later Presidency members from Vojvodina (Jugoslav Kostic) and Montenegro (Nenad Bucin) did the same.
19 March - National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia assumed authorities of dissolved Kosovo Assembly and released Riza Sapundzia from the office of SFRY Presidency member from Kosovo.
20 March - National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia refused to accept Borisav Jovic's
resignation from SFRY Presidency and obliged him to return to this office.
Assembly of the Republic of Serbia elected Sejdo Bajramovic as the SFRY
Presidency member from Kosovo.
21 March - At the expanded session of SFRY Presidency agreement was reached to start
negotiations between Presidents of Yugoslav republics on the future of
Yugoslavia.
26 March -
The European Community released a Declaration on Yugoslavia in which it
supported all efforts to solve the crisis through dialogue and call all sides
to refrain from the use of force. Expressing their conviction that the process
of democratic reforms in Yugoslavia should be based on political dialogue of
all sides, the EC considers that "united and democratic Yugoslavia has the best
chance of being harmoniously integrated in new Europe."
28 March -
The first meeting of Presidents of Yugoslav republics was held in Split. No
agreement was reached.
31 March -
Armed conflict occurred in Plitvice between the special unit of the Croatian
police and members of Kninska Krajina militia. At the extraordinary session
SFRY Presidency called for cease-fire and ordered increased combat readiness of relevant YPA units and measures to ensure observance of cease-fire.
APRIL
1 April - Executive Council of the Kninska Krajina National Council decided that Krajina
should join the Republic of Serbia and that laws of the Republic of Serbia and
Constitution of SFRY would be in force on the territory of Krajina.
4 April - The second round of talks between Presidents of Yugoslav republics (so-called Summit of the Six) held in Belgrade. Slobodan Milosevic presented the proposal in six points on the future Yugoslav economic community.
11 April - The third Summit of the six Presidents of Yugoslav republics held in Brdo by Kranj, where they agreed that by the end of May all republics should hold
referendums in order to resolve whether Yugoslavia would be a confederation of
sovereign republics (as proposed by Slovenia and Croatia) or a democratic
federation (as proposed by Serbia and Montenegro).
18 April - The fourth Summit of the Presidents of Yugoslav republics held in Ohrid.
Proposal was made to all republican assemblies to schedule referendums.
Presidents of Serbia Slobodan Milosevic and Montenegro Momir Bulatovic remarked
that this decision neglected the fact that Yugoslavia still exists.
23 April -
Assembly of Montenegro elected Branko Kostic as SFRY Presidency member from
this republic, instead of Nenad Bucin who resigned.
29 April -
The fifth Summit of the Presidents of Yugoslav republics was held in Cetinje
involving discussion on the contents and manner the upcoming referendums by
republics should be carried out.
MAY
2 May -
Armed conflicts broke out between Serbian population of Borovo Selo and members
of the Croatian police.
3 May -
Demonstrations of Croatian citizens took place in Zadar and Sibenik, during
which Serbian property has been demolished on a massive scale.
5 May -
Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on visiting Trogir suggested to the municipal
leaders that enterprises shift to the production of military equipment and
invited citizens to confront YPA.
In his interview to France Press Macedonian President Kiro Gligorov stated that
Macedonia was going to be constituted as an independent state should Slovenia
and Croatia brake away from Yugoslavia.
6 May -
Violent demonstrations took place in Split against YPA. One soldier was killed
and several wounded. Federal Defense Secretariat issued a statement, warning
that any attack on YPA members, units and facilities will be answered by
fire.
8 May -
Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia addressed to the Assembly of SFRY a
Declaration on dissociation from Yugoslavia, scheduled to take place by 26 June
1991 at the latest.
9 -
10 May -
SFRY Presidency adopted a concrete six-
point
programme of measures and activities for long-
term
solution of ethnic and interrepublican conflicts. One of the most significant
measures stipulated that between areas of Croatia predominantly inhabited by
Serbian population, movement should be allowed only to YPA and federal police
units.
10 May -
Joint session of both chambers of SFRY Assembly was interrupted after delegates
from Croatia, Slovenia and 17 Albanian delegates claimed that appointment of
Sejdo Bajramovic as a new SFRY Presidency member from Kosovo was illegitimate
and against Constitution since the Kosovo Assembly had been dissolved.
Proclamation of other two Presidency members -
Branko Kostic from Montenegro and Jugoslav Kostic from Vojvodina -
has been postponed as well.
15 May -
At the SFRY Presidency session regular rotation of Presidents failed to be
carried out, because Croatian representative Stjepan Mesic did not receive
sufficient votes.
19 May -
Referendum on separation of Croatia held in this republic. 83% of electorate
showed up at the polls, of which 94,17% gave their votes for independent and
sovereign state of Croatia. Citizens of Krajina boycotted the referendum.
Moslem National Council of Sandzak was established and adopted a Declaration
which stated that all national interests of Moslems in Serbia were in the
competence of the Council. Sulejman Ugljanin was elected President of the
Council.
29 May -
Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia adopted a Resolution on Concensual
Dissociation from SFRY.
JUNE
3 June -
Macedonian President Kiro Gligorov and President of Bosnia-
Herzegovina
Presidency Alija Izetbegovic announced a joint proposal -
Platform on the Future Yugoslav Community -
which foresaw future Yugoslavia as the commonwealth of sovereign republics.
6 June -
The sixth and the last Summit of Presidents of Yugoslav republics was held in
Stojcevac near Sarajevo. The six Presidents did not accepted the Gligorov-
Izetbegovic
Platform on the Future Yugoslav Community.
12 June -
Tudjman-
Milosevic-
Izetbegovic
meeting held in Split as another in a series of attempts toward peaceful
untangling of the Yugoslav crisis.
17 June -
Croatian Party of Justice published the June Charter in which it called for
"restoration and reestablishment of Independent State of Croatia (ustasha
profascist state during the Second World War) on its entire historic and ethnic
territory, with eastern borders stretching along Subotica-
Zemun-
Drina-
Sandzak-
Boka
Kotorska line".
18 June -
The session of the Croatian Assembly began in Zagreb. Some 60 laws necessary
for "dissociation" from Yugoslavia and establishment of an independent and
sovereign state were adopted.
19 June -
Ministerial Council of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe
(CSCE) at its meeting in Berlin adopted a Declaration expressing their support
for democratic development, unity and territorial integrity of Yugoslavia,
based on economic reforms, full application of human rights in all parts of
Yugoslavia, including the rights of minorities, and peaceful solution of the
present crisis in the country.
20 June -
Federal Chamber of the SFRY Assembly at its session gave notice to SFRY
Presidency to elect the President and Vice-
President
of the Presidency not later than June 25.
21 June -
Yugoslav Federal Government adopted proposals for the solution of the crisis
and establishment of new relations within the Yugoslav community. The
Government foresaw future Yugoslavia as the confederation of sovereign
republics, which brought its view close to Gligorov-
Izetbegovic
Platform.
At the end of his visit to Yugoslavia US Secretary of State James Baker stated
that the US supports democratic and unified Yugoslavia, while its future should
be decided through agreement. Baker also said that the US will not recognize
unilateral secessionist moves.
Slovenia is hastily building border crossings toward Croatia.
25 June -
The Assembly of the Republic of Croatia unanimously adopted a Declaration on
Proclamation of an independent and sovereign Republic of Croatia and started
the process of dissociation from Yugoslavia. It also adopted a Charter on
rights of Serbs and other national minorities.
Assembly of Slovenia adopted documents on separation from SFRY and Declaration
of independence.
Representatives of Serbs adopted the decision to form the Serbian Autonomous
Region of Slavonia, Baranja and West Srem.
26 June -
The Yugoslav Federal Government assessed that decisions of Slovenia and Croatia
on gaining of independence were illegal. It issued an order banning the
establishment of border check points within the territory of SFRY. Federal
police and YPA were authorized to remove these border check points and regain
control over state borders of Yugoslavia with Italy, Austria and Hungary,
occupied by Slovenian border organs.
Delegates from Slovenia and Croatia left the Yugoslav Federal Assembly.
27 June -
Armed conflicts broke out between YPA units and Territorial Defense (TO) of
Slovenia in Ormoz and near Jezersko. Throughout Slovenia TO members placed road
barricades to prevent movement of YPA troops toward border crossings. Slovenian
Presidency declared YPA actions as aggression on independent Slovenia and
called population to resistance. It was the beginning of seven day war in
Slovenia.
Supreme State Council of Croatia requested from YPA to retreat to barracks and
no longer prevent security organs in establishing legal order in the Republic
of Croatia. Unless this request is observed, it was said, members of the
National Guard (ZNG) will confront the federal Army.
Unification of Bosanska Krajina and Kninska Krajina proclaimed in Bosansko
Grahovo and Declaration adopted stating that unification of all Serbs is
imperative.
The Federal Secretariat for National Defense released the statement declaring
illegal and unconstitutional the unilateral proclamations of independence of
Croatia and Slovenia.
28 June -
The Yugoslav Federal Government called for cease-fire
in all parts of the country and reported to the Federal Defense Secretariat
that YPA units have fulfilled all their tasks and regained control over SFRY
borders in Slovenia.
The European Community decided to send a peace mission (so-
called
"troika") to Yugoslavia. The mission included three foreign ministers Jacques
Pos, Gianni de Michelis and Hans Van Den Broek. It also decided to freeze any
economic assistance to Yugoslavia.
29 June -
Agreement was reached between the federal Prime Minister and Presidents and
Prime Minister of Slovenia to stop any war operations, to transport wounded YPA
members to hospitals, to withdraw YPA units into barracks, and to establish a
mixed committee which will monitor all this.
JULY
1 July -
In the presence of a three-
member
EC delegation SFRY Presidency declared Stipe Mesic President and Branko Kostic
Vice-
President
of the Presidency. Presidency members from Serbia, Vojvodina, Kosovo and
Montenegro demanded a written guarantee from the EC that the Assembles of
Croatia and Slovenia will observe a three-
month
moratorium on enforcement of decisions on dissociation.
2 July -
Presidency of Slovenia accepted the proposal on ending of hostilities in this
republic.
5 July -
In the Declaration on the Situation in Yugoslavia adopted in Hague, the
European Community underlined that only the peoples of Yugoslavia should decide
the future of their country and expressed it strong opposition to every use of
force.
7 July -
Under the auspices of European Community the meeting of members of the SFRY
Presidency, leaders of Slovenia and Croatia, federal Prime Minister, and
interior and defense ministers took place on Brioni. The Common Declaration on
Peaceful Solution of the Yugoslav Crisis (so-
called
Brioni Declaration) was adopted. The following principles were accepted for
the peaceful solution of the crisis in Yugoslavia: only the peoples of
Yugoslavia can decide their own future; a new situation has developed in
Yugoslavia which requires careful monitoring and negotiations among various
sides; negotiations must begin urgently; all sides will refrain from all
unilateral steps, particularly from forcible acts. It was agreed to establish
international monitoring missions in Yugoslavia, particularly in Slovenia, and
possibly in Croatia, consisting of 30 to 50 military and civilian persons. The
decisions of Slovenia and Croatia to declare sovereignty and independence were
suspended for a duration of three months.
9 July-
The Parliament of Europe at its session in Strasbourg adopted a resolution on
Yugoslavia, which did not support unilateral acts of secession.
12 July -
SFRY Presidency adopted the Brioni Declaration and decided to demobilize by
July 18 all armed formations, except YPA and regular peacetime militia, to
reestablish the situation that existed before June 25 at the borders of SFRY,
and that military barracks and other military installations should be
deblocked.
18 July -
SFRY Presidency decided that YPA should withdraw from Slovenia within three
months.
21 July -
The Yugoslav Federal Government proposed an Agreement on functioning of the
country during the period of three month moratorium. The proposed Agreement was
sent for adoption to SFRY Presidency and to all republics.
22 July -
Extended SFRY Presidency meeting adopted a Statement against the use of force.
Croatia conditioned its acceptance of the Statement by unconditional retreat of
YPA to garrisons. President of Republic of Croatia Franjo Tudjman stated at a
press conference that "population should perhaps be ready for a general war for
defense of Croatia".
24 July -
The Federal Assembly, in the absence of representatives of Slovenia and
Croatia, adopted a decision to suspend these two republics decision to declare
sovereignty and independence.
29 July -
YPA units started to withdraw from Slovenia.
30 July -
At the session of SFRY Presidency Branko Kostic was proposed as the President
of the state committee in charge of monitoring the execution of the Presidency
order on cease-fire
in Croatia, which made Stipe Mesic leave the session.
Committee of the Croatian Assembly for protection and improvement of equality
of nations and minorities offered Serbs in Croatia political and territorial
autonomy. According to this proposal, Serbs in Croatia would be a sovereign
nation with all rights except right to secession.
31 July -
Supreme State Council of Croatia suggested to the Assembly and Government to
undertake urgent measures in order to increase defense capability and carry out
necessary mobilization.
AUGUST
1 August -
Clash between Croatian police and National Guard with Serbian inhabitants took
place in Dalj.
3 August -
SFRY Presidency decided on absolute and immediate cease-fire
,
on stoppage of all further movement and on separation of conflicting forces.
Commission was established (chaired by Branko Kostic) to monitor the
enforcement of this decision together with competent organs of the Republic of
Croatia. Immediately following this session, Stjepan Mesic addressed the
Croatian Assembly asking them to refuse this Commission and to name Serbia as
aggressor.
Despite violation of the provisions of the Brioni Agreement by Slovenia, after
talking with Milan Kucan EC ministerial troika assessed positively the
execution of obligations by Slovenia. In talking with Slobodan Milosevic the EC
representatives failed to reach agreement on arrival of the European peace
forces.
The Assembly of Croatia adopted a decision to severe all relations with
Republic of Serbia.
6 August -
SFRY Presidency adopted a five-
point
decision on absolute and unconditional cease-fire
on the territory of the Republic of Croatia.
8 August -
A working group of the Croatian Assembly submitted a study in which Serbian
population in this republic was offered local self-
government,
cultural autonomy, proportionate participation in government at all levels.
Establishment of the District of Krajina with special status was proposed as
well.
12 August -
Top-
level
meeting of representatives of Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia-
Herzegovina
(President Alija Izetbegovic did not attend) was held in Belgrade. Participants
adopted an Initiative for Peaceful and Democratic Solution of the Yugoslav
Crisis -
so-
called
Belgrade Initiative.
14 August -
First groups of foreign monitors left for crisis areas in Croatia.
21 August -
Vladimir Seks, head of the Crisis Headquarters for Eastern Slavonia and Baranja
announced that supplies of electricity, water and food would be cut to the
Yugoslav Army.
25 August -
Army barracks blocked in the Split area as well. Escalation of conflicts in
many parts of Croatia, most severely in Vukovar.
26 August -
Supreme State Council of Croatia proposed an amendment to Article 110 of the
Constitution, authorizing the President of the Republic to pass decisions with
force of law because "of degree of threat to Croatia".
27 August -
In the Declaration on Yugoslavia the European Community proposed convening a
Peace Conference on Yugoslavia and establishment of an Arbitration Commission,
consisting of five members elected among representatives of Constitutional
Courts of the EC member States.
29 August -
Presidents Serbia Slobodan Milosevic and Croatia Franjo Tudjman met in Paris
for talks with President François Mitterand.
SEPTEMBER
3 September -
Declaration of the European Community on Yugoslavia adopted in the Hague. It
announced and scheduled for 7 September a Conference on Yugoslavia in the Hague
and initiated at the same time arbitration procedure. Lord Peter Carrington was
appointed the chairman of the Conference. The Conference will adopt mechanism
which should ensure a peaceful fulfillment of opposing aspirations of the
Yugoslav peoples on the basis of the following principles: 1. no unilateral
change of borders by use of force; 2. protection of rights of all in
Yugoslavia; and 3. full respect for all legitimate interests and aspirations.
7 September -
Conference on Yugoslavia opened in the Hague with the participation of the
representatives of SFRY Presidency, Federal Government, Presidents of the
Yugoslav republics, the Council of the European Community, representatives of
EC members states and of the European Commision. A Declaration was addopted to
the effect that the common goal of all participants was to bring peace to all
in Yugoslavia and find lasting and just solutions for all their interests and
aspirations.
Referendum on the independence of Macedonia and its possible association with
Yugoslavia was held in Macedonia: 74,14 per cent of those who voted opted for
such solution of the status of Republic of Macedonia.
12 September -
The first plenary session of the Conference on Yugoslavia started in the Hague
behind closed doors with participation of Foreign Ministers from Yugoslavia and
senior EC officials.
17 September -
Lord Carrington co-
chairman
of Conference on Yugoslavia, President of Croatia Franjo Tudjman, President of
Serbia Slobodan Milosevic and general Veljko Kadijevic signed in Igalo the
joint cease-fire
statement.
The Assembly of Macedonia adopted a Declaration on strict respect of existing
frontiers, rejecting any territorial claims on whatever neighbouring country.
25 September -
UN Security Council adopted Resolution on Yugoslavia 713. It notes that the
development of the situation in Yugoslavia constitutes a threat to peace and
security in the world and extends support to the EC and the CSCE in efforts to
resolve the Yugoslav crisis. The Council decided to enforce a general and
complete embargo on all deliveries of weapons and military equipment to
Yugoslavia on the basis of Article 41 of the UN Charter.
26 September -
Branko Kostic called a session of the SFRY Presidency referring to a special
provision of the Presidency Rules of Procedure. From then on the sessions of
the Federal Presidency were attended only by representatives of Serbia,
Vojvodina, Kosovo and Montenegro.
30 September -
Referendum of ethnic Albanians held in Kosovo. According to information of
organizers 99% of those who cast their ballots opted for a "sovereign and
independent state of Kosovo".
OCTOBER
3 October -
The SFRY Presidency began functioning under conditions of immediate danger of
war.
8 October -
After expire of the three month Brioni moratorium, the Assembly of the Republic of Croatia made a decision to
severe state and legal bonds with SFRY and declared the independence of this Republic.
The Assembly of Slovenia declared the independence of this republic and gave a ten day
notice to YPA to withdraw all its units from the territory of Slovenia.
14 October - Assembly of Bosnia-Herzegovina,
without participation of Serbian deputies, adopted a decision to call a
referendum on the future status of Bosnia-
Herzegovina.
15 October -
On invitation of President Mikhail Gorbachev, President of Croatia Franjo
Tudjman and President of Serbia Slobodan Milosevic met in Moscow, where they
signed an agreement on immediate cease-fire.
In the Assembly of Bosnia-Herzegovina
deputies representing the Moslem Party for Democratic Action (PDA) and Croatian
Democratic Union (CDU) adopted the Memorandum on Sovereign Bosnia-
Herzegovina,
after deputies representing the Serbian Democratic Party (SDP) left the
session.
16 October -
YPA removed the red five-pointed
star as its symbol.
Croatian Government gave notice to YPA to withdraw from the territory of this republic by November 10.
18 October -
The second session of the Conference on Yugoslavia held in the Hague. The Co-Chairman of the Conference Lord Carrington submitted a Draft Declaration on Yugoslavia with proposals for the solution of the Yugoslav crisis. The essence of the proposal is awar
ding of sovereignty and independence to republics - former federal units, their international recognition as states, possibility for free association of sovereign states and establishment of the mechanism for protection of human rights and rights of natio
nal and ethnic groups. So-called special status would be provided for territories where members of a national or
ethnic group constitute a majority population. The Declaration specifically
refers to Serbs in Croatia in connection with such status. President of Serbia
Slobodan Milosevic refused proposed solutions in the Declaration stating that
they "suspend the existing constitutional order and abolish Yugoslavia as the
state which continuously exists for 70 years".
23 October - Lord Carrington, Co-Chairman
of the Conference on Yugoslavia, offered a new EC proposal on the future of
Yugoslav state. The proposal was in essence a slightly modified text of the
Declaration on Yugoslavia of October 18. Changes involved deletion of the
provision on validity of special status, particularly for Serbs in Croatia, a
more detailed definition of international control of special status enforcement
and request for restitution of the status of autonomous provinces as existed
before 1990.
25 October - Assembly of Serbian Nation in Bosnia-Herzegovina constituted.
29 October - Foreign ministers of EC member states met in Brussels and accepted Declaration
in which it was announced restrictive measures against all sides invloved in
Yugoslav conflict which continue to block the efforts for peaceful solution at
the Conference on Yugoslavia. The EC will terminate the agreement on
cooperation and trade with Yugoslavia and renew it only with those sides that contribute to the peace process.
30 October - Lord Carrington offered a new (third) version of the document on the solution
of the Yugoslav crisis. Compared with version 2, the new one omitted the
provision on restitution of the status of autonomous provinces to situation
prior to 1990. In the section on special status for regions predominantly
populated by national or ethnic minorities, a new proposal was added on their long-term demilitarization. The idea on customs union evolved to the proposal on firmer economic cooperation of future sovereign republics - states.
NOVEMBER
5 November - Plenary session of the Conference on Yugoslavia discussed version 4 of the
document on solution of the Yugoslav crisis. The possibility of creating common
state by the republics that wish to remain within it was added to the main
principles. Option was also provided for the establishment of a single domestic
market by republics which want that. This last version of the document was
rejected by representatives of Serbia and Montenegro and four members of the
SFRY Presidency, because it no longer referred to the principle of self-
determination
of nations. President of Serbia Slobodan Milosevic called the document an
ultimatum. President of Montenegro Momir Bulatovic suggested that proposal on
preservation of the common state be treated equally with the proposal on its
international abolishment.
8 November -
Foreign Ministers of EC member state at an extraordinary meeting in Rome,
considering the deterioration of the situation in Yugoslavia, decided to take
the following measures: immediate suspension of the application of Trade and
Cooperation Agreement with Yugoslavia, with a decision to terminate the same
Agreement; restoration of the quantitative limits for textiles; removal of
Yugoslavia from the list of beneficiaries of the General System of Preferences;
formal suspension of benefits under the PHARE programme. Community invited the
UN Security Council to enhance effectiveness of the arms embargo and to take
steps towards imposing an oil embargo. Positive compensatory measures were to be applied vis-a-vis parties which did cooperate in a peaceful way towards a comprehensive political solution.
9 November - SFRY Presidency sent a letter to the UN Security Council requesting urgent sending of UN peace forces to Croatia.
9-10 November - A separate plebiscite of Serbian people took place in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
More than 90 per cent of Serbs opted to stay within Yugoslavia.
12 November - At its meeting at Nordvick the member states of the European Community
condemned the further escalation of attacks upon Vukovar, Dubrovnik and other
towns in Croatia.
20 November -
After more than three month bitter fights between Croat forces and YPA, the YPA
forces took over the town of Vukovar.
21 November -
Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia promulgated a new Constitution, defining
Macedonia as a sovereign and independent democratic and social state.
22 November -
Cyrus Vance, special envoy of the UN Secretary General talked in Belgrade on
possibilities for sending UN peace forces to Croatia.
23 November -
In the UN headquarters in Geneva, in the presence of Lord Carrington and Cyrus
Vance President fo Serbia Slobodan Milosevic, President of Croatia Franjo
Tudjman, and general Veljko Kadijevic agreed on unconditional cease-fire.
27 November - UN Security Council adopted Resolution on Yugoslavia 721 supporting in principle the establishment of a peacekeeping
operation in Yugoslavia. It stresses that the deployment of UN peacekeeping
operation cannot be envisaged without full compliance by all parties with the cease-fire agreement singed in Geneva.
30 November - CSCE Crisis Committee convened without the participation of the Yugoslav
delegation. It adopted the resolution supporting the activities of the UN in
connection with crisis in Yugoslavia.
DECEMBER
2 December -
EC Ministerial Council considering so-called
positive measures decided not to apply economic sanctions, introduced on 8
November, on Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Slovenia and Croatia. The Council agreed to continue monitoring the situation regarding Montenegro in order to eventually expand the above positive
measures to this republic and expressed its hope that Serbia would evolve
towards a more cooperative position. This decision in practise means that
economic sanctions should refer only to Serbia and Montenegro.
5 December -
Croatian Assembly recalled Stjepan Mesic from SFRY Presidency with retroactive effect since 8 October. On that occasion Stjepan Mesic said: "Thank you for placing trust in me to fight for Croatian interests in the segment within my competence. I think I h
ave performed my assignment -
Yugoslavia no longer exists."
9 December - At invitation of Lord Carrington, meeting of Presidents of all Yugoslav republics held in the Hague. Agreement was reached on continuation of the Conference on Yugoslavia.
10 December - As the reply to the letter of Lord Carrington the Arbitration Commission of the
Conference on Yugoslavia (so-called Badinter Commission) issued the first opinion. Commission was of the opinion
that SFR of Yugoslavia was in the process of dissolution; that it was on the
republics to solve those problems of State succession that may derive from this process in accordance with the principles and rules of international law, with special attention to human rights and rights of peoples and minorities; and that it was upon tho
se republics wishing to do so to act jointly to create new associations which would have democratic institutions according to their
choice.
11 December - The so called Vance Peace Plan on the UN peacekeeping
operation in Yugoslavia was submitted to the UN Security Council as an annex to
the Report of the Secretary General Boutros Boutros Ghali to the UN Security
Council (Document S/23280). Under the provisions of the Plan the UN peacekeeping
forces would be deployed in specified area of Croatia, designated as "United
Nation Protected Areas" (UNPA zones). There will be three such areas under the protection of UN peacekeeping
forces: in Eastern Slavonia, Western Slavonia and Krajina. All units and
personal of the Yugoslav Peoples Army, Croatian National Guard and Territorial
Defence would be withdrawn from these areas, and all paramilitary and irregular
units would be disbanded and demobilized. Local police forces would be
responsible for maintenance of public order. UN infantry units and civilian
police observers would perform the function of protecting the population in the UNPA zones and ensuring the process of demilitarization. The UN peacekeeping operation would be a temporary arrangement designed to create conditions for
peace and security which are indispensable for any negotiations on a
comprehensive settlement of the crisis. It was said in the Plan that this
arrangement would not prejudge the outcome of the negotiations.
Based on oral report of his personal envoy Cyrus Vance, UN Secretary General Peres de Cuellar submitted a report to the Security Council in which he stated
that conditions for sending UN peace forces to Croatia have not yet been met
since cease-fire has not been established.
13 December - Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of Non-Aligned Countries held in New York discussed the situation in Yugoslavia and concluded
that until the lasting political solution to the crisis in Yugoslavia is found,
no attempts should be made that could undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity and international legal subjectivity of Yugoslavia.
17 December -
Foreign Ministers of the European Community adopted in Brussels a Declaration
on the Guidelines on the Recognition of New States in Eastern Europe and the
Soviet Union, and the Declaration on Yugoslavia. The first document determined
general criteria to serve as guidelines for the EC in recognition of new states
"in conformity with normal standards of international practice and political
reality in any particular case". The second document states that the EC would
recognize the independence of all Yugoslav republics which wish that, provided
they fulfill criteria from Declaration on the Guidelines on the Recognition of
New States in Eastern Europe. All Yugoslav republics have been invited to
submit by December 23 their applications and proof that they met the criteria.
Proofs on qualification would be assessed by the Arbitration Committee of the
Conference on Yugoslavia, while decisions on possible recognition would be made
by the EC Ministerial Council after January 15, 1992.
18 December -
SFRY Presidency stated that EC Ministerial Council by its decisions of 17
December violated the UN Charter and international law. In its communication
the Presidency underscores that by its interference in internal matters of
Yugoslavia the EC supported unilateral and anticonstitutional acts of secession
and tried to abolish Yugoslavia as the only subject of international law.
19 December -
Serbian National Council accepted proclamation of Republic of Srpska Krajina.
It adopted a new Constitution and elected Milan Babic as its first President.
20 December -
Federal Prime Minister Ante Markovic resigned.
21 December -
The Assembly of Serbian People in Bosnia-
Herzegovina
adopted a Resolution to form the Serbian Republic of Bosnia-
Herzegovina
within the framework of Yugoslavia.
23 December -
Germany officially recognized the independence and sovereignty of Slovenia and
Croatia, to become effective as from 15 January 1992.
Slovenian Assembly adopted a new Constitution proclaiming Slovenia as sovereign
and independent state.
24 December -
Until the deadline set by the EC Declaration of 17 December applications for
recognition were filed by Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Macedonia. Serbia and Montenegro did not apply, pointing to the fact that
Serbia and Montenegro had been recognized at the Berlin Congress 1878 and that they had been maintained full international legal continuity.
The Grand National Assembly of the Serbian Autonomous Region of Slavonia,
Baranja and West Srem decided to join the Republic of Srpska Krajina.
|