VII) MILITARY AND SECURITY ISSUES

1. Military/Security. The Council notes that military stability is now maintained throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, and welcomes the continued compliance of the Entity Armed Forces with the military provisions of the GFAP.

2. The Council also notes that both Entities have met in full their obligations with regard to equipment limited by the Agreement; a permanent exchange of liaison missions has been established between the Entity army headquarters; and some, albeit superficial and inadequate progress has been made towards integration within the armed forces of the Federation.

3.The Council applauds the successful and productive involvement of the Entity Armed Forces in the de-mining program, and supports further expansion of this activity.

4.The Council records its disappointment, however, that hesitation and delay still hamper implementation of the Agreement on confidence and security building measures (CSBM), and that, as a result, there has been a lack of real progress towards improving the level of co-operation and confidence between the Entity Armed Forces (and within the Federation army).

5. Despite the maintenance of military stability, the Council considers the future of defense policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina will determine whether the country enjoys a durable peace or continues to live under threat of war. It believes it important to do everything possible to minimize the instability that is inherent in having two -- and in practice three -- armies present in one country.

The Council urges decisive action to build trust and co-operation between the Entity Armed Forces aimed at maintaining the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH and in support of its foreign and security policy.

The Council calls on the Presidency and the Entities to work during 1999 for the establishment of a common security policy leading progressively to a State dimension to defense. As a key part of this action, the SCMM will be strengthened.

The Council firmly supports the Strategy prepared by the OSCE in respect of Article II CSBM. Furthermore, it urges the Parties to continue progress of arms control and confidence building in the Region, with a view to reaching a new agreement under Article V of Annex IB of the GFAP, as soon as possible.

The Council welcomes the progress made in the OSCE with the recent agreement on a mandate for Article V negotiations. A successful negotiation between the twenty  countries involved will do much to promote confidence in and around BiH. The Council urges the Entities to work together to cooperate on BiH's participation in Article V, given its importance as an instrument for lasting stability in the region.

The Council is concerned at the increasing divergence in doctrine and training between the Entity Armed Forces, and urges the development during 1999 of plans for a training and development program common to all the armed forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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