CIAO DATE: 07/05

A Fragile Peace: Guns and Security in post-conflict Macedonia

Abstract

It is an understatement to say that the presence of small arms and light weapons is a significant problem in the Balkans. Guns contributed significantly to the violence, death, and destruction that surrounded the inter-ethnic conflicts of the 1990s and early 21st century. Since the conclusion of hostilities, the effects of violent conflict persist in the area, as does the circulation of many SALW. In fact, these weapons continue to cause civilian injuries and deaths, constrain social and economic development, enhance criminal capability, and contribute to ethnic and societal tensions that may incite future conflicts throughout the Balkans.

The weapons that circulate within and around the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYRoM) are no exception to this trend. In recent years, international attention has been drawn to Macedonia, in part because of the 2001 conflict that occurred between ethnic Albanian rebels and the Macedonian security forces, and also due to the country's publicly stated desire to join NATO and the European Union. In spite of Macedonia's interests in European integration, much remains to be done to control the quantities of weapons that exist in the country and circulate throughout the area.

Full Text (PDF, 96 pages, 1.58 MB)