30.07.1999

Decision on the reconnection of refugees and displaced persons to the telephone networks of BiH

In accordance with my authority under Annex 10 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (GFAP) and Article XI of the Bonn Document, I hereby issue the following

DECISION

  1. For the purpose of this regulation, pre-conflict subscribers shall be persons who satisfy the following conditions:
    • They are returning to their home of origin in accordance with Annex 7 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in BiH (GFAP) and
    • their home was connected to the telephone network in existence immediately prior to the conflict and
    • their telephone connection was cut or whose number was reallocated during the conflict, irrespective of whether they actually left their home or not.
  2. Pre-conflict subscribers shall be reconnected free of charge. The administrative fee for reconnection shall be not more than KM 50,-.
  3. Pre-conflict subscribers whose telephone number was reallocated during the conflict but who never left their home of origin should be reconnected, free of all charges and fees, where possible to their former number.
  4. Pre-conflict subscribers shall have priority over new requests whenever lines become available.
  5. Pre-conflict subscribers should apply for reconnection within 3 months of the publication of this regulation if they have not applied already or within 3 months of taking actual possession of their former home. Those who do not avail themselves of the provisions in this Decision within the time-limits proscribed will be treated as new subscriber.
  6. Pre-conflict subscribers are not responsible for any outstanding debts which were incurred during the period when the dwelling was occupied by someone else or for any other debts, such as subscription fees, that have become obsolete under law. Non payment of such debts does not affect the right of the returnee to priority reconnection.
  7. In the event of disagreement between the pre-conflict subscriber wishing to be reconnected and the PTT, the case shall be referred to an Advisory Committee to be chaired by an independent person to be designated by the OHR and comprising a representative from the relevant PTT and UNHCR. Decisions of the Committee shall be binding on all parties.
Sarajevo, 30 July 1999Carlos Westendorp  
High Representative

Office of the High Representative