02.03.1999

Decision on the second six-month extension of the Decision on the Interim Arrangement for the Mostar Airport starting 16 March 1999

2 March 1999
Mr. Ivan Prskalo
Mayor

Mr. Safet Orucevic
Deputy Mayor

City of Mostar

Dear Sirs,

I am aware of the considerable progress which has been achieved at Mostar Airport since I issued my decision, dated 16 March 1998 on the establishment of a Mostar Interim Airport Authority. However, I am very concerned about the lack of progress in establishing a permanent solution.

Given the importance for the region of having a fully operational Airport under the authority of the City Administration, I feel that the present situation can not continue and urge you to find a way out of the impasse. I appreciate the efforts undertaken jointly by the City Administration and by the Deputy High Representative, Ambassador Dr. Ellerkmann aiming at a functioning City Administration as a prerequisite for taking over the Airport Authority. But at this point in time to my disappointment the City Administration is still incapable, and I understand is unlikely within the next months, to do so.

I therefore intend to use the power given to me under Annex 10 of the Dayton Peace Agreement, as endorsed by the Bonn Peace Implementation Conference and have taken the following decision:

The Interim Arrangement imposed by my decision, dated 16 March 1998, shall stay in force for another six months period from 16 March 1999 or until such time as the High Representative may decide. Should the Mostar City Administration still not be in a position to run the airport by September 1999, the High Representative will review all options.

Copies of this letter will be sent to the Federation and Canton leadership.

Yours sincerely,

Carlos Westendorp
High Representative

Office of the High Representative