The Brčko Supplemental Award of 15 March 1998

Abstract

The Dayton Accords of 1995 for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina provided for arbitration over the boundary line in the Brćko area of Bosnia. Arbitration took place between the Muslim and Croat Federation and the Republika Srpska. Both party appointed arbitrators refused to sign the Award. The Award of 14 February 1997 did not draw a boundary line but established an international interim supervisory regime. The Tribunal decided on the basis of international law and equity, but it refused to apply the principle of non-recognition of territorial gains obtained in violation of international law. On 15 March 1998 the Arbitral Tribunal handed down a Supplemental Award. This holds out the prospect of a further decision by the Tribunal in early 1999.