16.08.1997 OHR Sarajevo

OHR Press Release

The High Representative deplores the ruling of the Republika Srpska Constitutional
Court in what is clearly a decision taken under political pressure.

This reinforces the legal position taken by the High Representative and supported by
the Venice Commission that President Plavsic acted fully in accordance with the
Republika Srpska Constitution.

The High Representative now calls for an end to the political impasse in Republika
Srpska and calls for the election of a new National Assembly at the earliest possible
opportunity. The people ofRepublika Srpska deserve the right to be represented only
by those who are elected in a free and democratic way. New elections under
international supervision are the only possible way to resolve ~is damaging crisis.