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The war in Bosnia signalled the final dissolution of what remained of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
When Bosnia declared independence in April 1992, following a referendum, violence broke out throughout the republic. Milosevic vowed to defend Serbs from what he called "Croatian genocide" and "Islamic fundamentalism". More than three years of war followed - the bloodiest in Europe since World War II.
Public opinion in Belgrade was mixed. Many people - particularly families who were affected by the draft - wanted to see an end to war. But others wanted to protect their Serb brethren in Bosnia, and rallied behind Milosevic.
As the extent of Serbia's war crimes was revealed, Serbia was further isolated as a pariah state by the international community.