Armistice
This article discusses the military term. See also armistice (film).
A ceasefire is a temporary laying down of arms in war and usually planned as a precursor to peace.
Unlike a ceasefire, a short-term cessation of hostilities for a specific purpose (e.g., recovery of wounded), a truce is for a longer specific period of time, often specifying precise terms and, if necessary, a demarcation line.
An armistice is agreed by the warring parties and prohibits both parties from attacking with immediate effect (armistice treaty). The Hague Regulations of 1907 provide a legal definition of an armistice. Article 36 states: "The armistice interrupts the war effort by virtue of a mutual agreement between the belligerents. If a definite duration has not been agreed upon, the belligerents may resume hostilities at any time." Under the Geneva Conventions, an armistice agreement requires all belligerents to allow the return of civilian internees and prisoners of war.
It is nevertheless not the same as a peace treaty, which can usually be negotiated over months or years following a ceasefire. The state of war remains in force until the conclusion of an international treaty in which the termination of the state of war is directly or even indirectly agreed. This is usually a peace treaty, but may also be a treaty establishing diplomatic relations or a unilateral declaration ending the state of war.
For the Islamic legal understanding of truce, see hudna. Islam only permits a truce with non-Muslims, but not a peace treaty. However, a ceasefire can be extended if necessary.
It is also figuratively called a truce when disputants agree to cease their conflict but do not agree to peace or compromise.
Significant armistices and armistice treaties
- Secret Convention of Klein-Schnellendorf 1741-1742
- Armistice of Rostock 1362-1364
- Znojmo Armistice between Austria and France 1809
- Treaty of Malmö 1848-1849
- Truce between Grenada and Castile (Yusuf I./Alfons XI.) 1344-1354
- Armistice of Focșani between Romania and the Central Powers 1917
- Convention of Tauroggen, 1813
- Armistice of Pläswitz, 1813
- Armistice of Kötzschenbroda (27 Augustjul. / 6 September 1645greg. )
- Truce of Villa Giusti
- Truce of Pljussa
- Armistice ofCompiègne 1918 1918-1919
- Armistice of Compiègne 1940
- Armistice of Steier (25 December 1800)
- Armistice of Cassibile
- Armistice between India and Pakistan 1949
- 1949 Armistice Agreement after the Palestine War
- Armistice in Korea 1953
- Military-Technical Agreement of Kumanovo 1999 (Kosovo War)
