December 19, 1995
Web posted at: 9:30 a.m. EST (1430 GMT)
From Correspondent Mike Hanna
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (CNN) -- For the last time, spokesmen for the United Nations Protection Force for Bosnia-Herzegovina gave a press briefing Tuesday. Six days each week over the course of UNPROFOR's mission-- now one day away from ending -- the spokesmen have discussed the U.N.'s failures and, only occasionally, its success.
On Tuesday, they reviewed the past. "We have lived with you through some horrific times," remembered Alexander Ivanko. "But we have also seen peace come to Bosnia for the first time in three and a half years. ... We who have survived the war are handing over to the peacemakers."
On Wednesday, NATO takes control of the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo, in a transfer of authority ceremony at the airport.
British Gen. Sir Michael Walker arrived on Tuesday to command all NATO's land forces in this mission.
"We offer the chance to offer something that everyone wants - - peace," Walker said. "We will work with the Bosnian people evenhandedly to help create the environment in which reconstruction of this country can take place." (111K AIFF sound or 111K WAV sound)
The U.N. briefers did more than reminisce. They reported that all sides have switched off their radars and air defense systems in accordance with the Dayton peace agreement.
"That was the prerequisite prior to transfer of authority," said spokesman Chris Vernon. "It fell to UNPROFOR to see it through with NATO and it's encouraging that the first step has been achieved and bodes well for the future
There also are reports that Bosnian Serb forces are withdrawing their heavy weapons from Sarajevo, another step required by the agreement.
During the war, the U.N. peacekeepers deployed to protect Bosnia were lightly armed. Now, it will be NATO troops armed with heavy weaponry and robust rules of engagement who will enforce the peace.
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