A local ceasefire agreement during the Croatian War of Independence that attempted cross-conflict cooperation but was denounced as treason by RSK central authorities.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- 18 February 1993
- Signing location
- Daruvar, Sector West (UNPA)
- UN mediator
- Gerard Fischer, Head of UN Civil Affairs Sector West
- RSK response
- Signatories sacked and arrested; agreement labeled treasonous
- Key provisions
- Restoration of utilities, refugee return, opening transport routes
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Croatian War of Independence left the UNPA Sector West divided between Croatian Army-controlled areas and RSK-held territory, severely disrupting water and electrical supply, civilian movement, and refugee return for the local population on both sides.
Local Croatian and RSK authorities, mediated in secrecy by UN Civil Affairs head Gerard Fischer, signed the Daruvar Agreement on 18 February 1993, providing for restoration of utilities, return of refugees, and opening of transport routes connecting Nova Gradiška and Novska across Sector West.
When RSK central authorities in Knin discovered the agreement, the RSK signatories were dismissed from their posts and arrested, and the agreement was declared treasonous. Fischer was criticised by the UN for excessive assertiveness and subsequently left the area, effectively nullifying the accord.
Political Outcome
Agreement annulled in practice after RSK central authorities in Knin denounced it as treason, arrested RSK signatories, and dismissed them from office; UN mediator Gerard Fischer departed the region.