Upon careful consideration of Mr. Andrijic’s case and after concluding that the reasons for his removal no longer apply and he no longer poses a threat to peace implementation, institutional integrity or democracy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I have decided to lift the effect of the 2000 Decision and to exempt Mr. Stiepo Andrijic from the ambit of Articles 20.9 A and 20.9 B of the Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The principles of equity, proper governance and judicious exercise of the High Representative’s international mandate, all of which take into account the balance between the protection of national stability and the rights of the individual, justify this outcome.

This Decision does not call into question the validity of the 2000 Decision. This Decision does not entitle Mr. Andrijic to automatic restoration to the office from which he was removed pursuant to the 2000 Decision. Further, this Decision does not entitle him to compensation for any remuneration, other forms of unvested monetary benefits or privileges or status forfeited as a result of the 2000 Decision.  

This Decision does not constitute an amnesty but rather a repeal, prospectively, of the 2000 Decision. The latter is not expunged and remains as part of the legislative record ofBosnia and Herzegovina . 

This Decision does not prejudice the right of the High Representative to remove Mr. Andrijic again should he, while occupying a public office in the future, be deemed to have violated his oath to respect the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and to uphold the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which oath was freely given as a condition precedent for the lifting of the Ban.

This Decision does not affect or otherwise prejudice any pending or impending criminal proceedings in or outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

To the extent the terms of this Decision contradict domestic legislation on any of the subjects encompassed thereby, the former shall prevail. High Representative Decisions supersede and preempt contradictory domestic legislation. This legislative statement is declaratory of existing and prospective High Representative Decisions.

This Decision has immediate effect and will not require any further procedural steps.

This Decision shall be published without delay in the Official Gazette of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sarajevo ,  30 March 2007                                          Dr. Christian Schwarz-Schilling

                                                                                            High Representative