Recalling paragraph XI.2 of the Conclusions of the Peace Implementation Conference held in Bonn on 9 and 10 December 1997, in which the Peace Implementation Council welcomed the High Representative’s intention to use his final authority in theatre regarding interpretation of the Agreement on the Civilian Implementation of the Peace Settlement in order to facilitate the resolution of any difficulties as aforesaid “by making binding decisions, as he judges necessary” on certain issues including (under sub-paragraph (c) thereof) “measures to ensure implementation of the Peace Agreement throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina and its Entities”;

Mindfulof the fact that the peace implementation process, which continues to be pursued under the aegis of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is not yet complete;

Further mindful of the fact that the peace implementation process requires to be completed in order that a stable political and security environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina is established which is conducive, inter alia, to fundamental economic reform and to the return of refugees and displaced persons;

Considering that the business environment and the peace implementation process requires a sound and reliable banking system where banks are subject to strict rules inter alia with respect not only to fighting against terrorism but also in respect of those individuals who, or legal persons or bodies which, obstruct or threaten to obstruct or pose a significant risk of actively obstructing the implementation of the peace process; or who or which materially assist in, sponsor, or provide financial or technological support for, or goods and services in support of such obstructionism; or which are owned or controlled by, or act or purport to act directly or indirectly for or on behalf of, any of the foregoing.

Having considered, borne in mind and noted the totality of the matters aforesaid, the High Representative hereby issues the following

DECISION

ENACTING THE LAW ON AMENDMENTS TO THE LAW ON BANKS OF THE REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

The Law which follows, and of which this Decision forms an integral part, shall come into effect pursuant to article 2 thereof but on an interim basis until such time as the Legislature of the Republika Srpska adopts the same in due form, without amendment and with no conditions attached.  This Decision shall itself come into effect forthwith and shall be published without delay in the Official Gazette of the Republika Srpska.

Sarajevo,  7 March 2003