Putin Extends Russian Peacekeepers' Tour In Bosnia

The Russian president's press service has announced that Vladimir Putin has signed a decree on extending the tour of a contingent of Russian peacekeepers as part of the multi-national force in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On the basis of a motion adopted by the Federation Council (Russia's upper chamber of parliament) dated October 10th 2001 and also in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 1357 from June 21st 2001, the president ordered that: - the tour of a contingent of the Russian armed forces numbering up to 600 men with military equipment, weapons and property be extended until 31st July 2002, as part of the multi-national force to stabilise [the region] within the framework peace agreement for Bosnia and Herzegovina from December 14th 1995. - the Russian military contingent guarantee the fulfilment of its tasks in its area of responsibility (north-east Bosnia and Herzegovina) as stated in the 14th December 1995 framework agreement and in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions 1247 from June 18th 1999, 1305 from June 21st 2000 and 1357 from June 21st 2001.