SARAJEVO, Jan 31 (Hina) - The chief commander of the Stabilisation Force (SFOR) in Bosnia-Herzegovina, General John Sylvester, has suggested that the country's authorities should consider a radical cut in its two entities' armed
forces. SFOR spokesman Daryl Morell said in Sarajevo on Thursday General Sylvester believed Bosnia should not have more than 10,500 soldiers. This figure corresponds with the country's economic possibilities, Morell said. The defence ministries of the Croat-Muslim and Serb entities had previously drawn up plans under which the Army of the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina should be reduced from the current 24,000 to 10,500 and the Republika Srpska Army from 10,000 to 6,600 officers and soldiers. According to earlier announcements, the reduction of the armed forces should be completed by 2005, but the Federation authorities have expressed readiness to complete the largest part of the task by the
SARAJEVO, Jan 31 (Hina) - The chief commander of the Stabilisation
Force (SFOR) in Bosnia-Herzegovina, General John Sylvester, has
suggested that the country's authorities should consider a radical
cut in its two entities' armed forces.
SFOR spokesman Daryl Morell said in Sarajevo on Thursday General
Sylvester believed Bosnia should not have more than 10,500
soldiers. This figure corresponds with the country's economic
possibilities, Morell said.
The defence ministries of the Croat-Muslim and Serb entities had
previously drawn up plans under which the Army of the Federation of
Bosnia-Herzegovina should be reduced from the current 24,000 to
10,500 and the Republika Srpska Army from 10,000 to 6,600 officers
and soldiers.
According to earlier announcements, the reduction of the armed
forces should be completed by 2005, but the Federation authorities
have expressed readiness to complete the largest part of the task by
the end of this year.
(hina) sb rml