Republika Srpska (1992–95) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (the goals of which were reaffirmed by an operational directive issued by General Mladić on 19 November 1992). The VRS expanded and defended the borders of Republika Srpska during the Bosnian War. By 1993 Republika Srpska controlled about 70% of the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina with final agreement (Dayton Agreement) in 1995 appropriating to Republika Srpska control over 49% of the territory. In 1993 and 1994, the authorities of Republika Srpska ventured to create the United Serb Republic. Since the beginning of the war, the VRS (Army of Republika Srpska) and the political leadership of
1992 Bosnian independence referendum volunteers had attacked the predominantly Croat town of Ravno in September 1991, Bosnian Serb policemen fired upon Bosniak populated areas of Šipovo during which 3,000 Bosniaks fled, and Serb paramilitary units targeted Foča, Višegrad, Zvornik, Bijeljina, and other towns in east Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the month of recognition, the siege of Sarajevo began, by which time the Bosnian Serb Army of Republika Srpska (VRS) controlled 70% of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 1992 Bosnian independence referendum An independence referendum was held in Bosnia and Herzegovina between 29 February and 1 March 1992, following the first free elections of 1990 and the