16.09.1997 OHR Sarajevo

Amb. Gerd Wagner meets with eight previous mayors of Sarajevo

Ambassador Gerd Wagner, Senior Deputy High Representative, has today met with eight previous mayors of Sarajevo. They have discussed the current situation in Sarajevo and ways of affirming Sarajevo as a capital of all three constituent people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In light of the recent adoption of amendments by the Sarajevo Canton Assembly and the holding of municipal elections they jointly call for the establishment of the City Assembly and the election of a new Mayor for Sarajevo.

Much has been achieved in Sarajevo since the signing of the Peace Agreement. Every day there are visible signs of life in Sarajevo returning to normality. Reconstruction and renovation in the city continues apace. They were also discussing possibilities for a quick reconstruction of production capacities and, thereby, for an increased employment rate.

However, progress has been limited in certain areas, in particular the return of refugees. Ambassador Wagner calls on the Canton and municipal authorities to redouble their efforts in facilitating the return of refugees to Sarajevo, the return of Sarajevans. Fundamental to progress is the adoption of property legislation by the Federation Parliamentary Assembly.