(21 Dec 1995) English/Nat
British I-FOR troops have moved into position on the frontline between Bosnian Muslim and Bosnian Serb territory.
Britain's Defence Minister Michael Portillo arrived in Bosnia Wednesday to visit British troops on the day of the handover from the U-N to the new NATO-led I-FOR mission.
Portillo paid tribute to the role of the U-N, but said the implementation of the Dayton Peace accord demanded a new force.
Overcoming Serbian distrust is one of the initial hurdles with the I-FOR forces must get over.
This British unit of lightly armoured vehicles travelled to the small town of Krupa in Bosnian Serb territory to start building bridges of trust.
Snow balls were the only missiles flying between the two sides -- and residents are hoping it's going to stay that way.
SOUNDBITE: (Serbo-Croat )
I think everything is going to be alright. I've had enough of war. And now our children will have time for play and they will have their own freedom.
SUPERCAPTION: Local Resident
SOUNDBITE: (Serbo-Croat )
I think they are realistic and will be objective. I have always respected the British.
SUPERCAPTION: Local Resident
To welcome the new soldiers, locals brought them a bottle of the local drink, slivovic, a fiery plum brandy.
Just the thing to keep warm as the harsh winter takes hold.
SOUNDBITE:
Our intention is to create a strong presence here, letting the Serb civilians and soldiers know that we are here, and then the intention is to move on to Banja Luka.
SUPER CAPTION: Captain Ian Orr, Light Dragoons
British Defence Minister Michael Portillo was also optimistic about the I-FOR mission but did not omit to pay tribute to the work of the out-going U-N force.
SOUNDBITE:
I pay tribute to what the United Nations has done during their long period here they've saved many lives, they've supplied a lot of food to people. They've paved the way to the peace process, they've contained the struggle within the former Yugoslavia. But following the peace agreement that has been signed a different sort of operation is indicated. A more robust military operation to make sure that the people who have signed up to the peace agreement actually implement it.
SUPER CAPTION: Michael Portillo, British Defence Minister
Portillo's two day visit to British troops in Bosnian will also take him to Split, Sarajevo and to the R-A-F detachment at Gioia del Colle, Italy.
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