A reasonable and broad-based compromise that threatens no constituent people or group can be achieved in Mostar if political leaders show flexibility and political will, Principal Deputy High Representative Roderick Moore wrote in a column that appeared today in Dnevni Avaz today.

Such a compromise would end the city’s “slow downward spiral” and make it possible for citizens and politicians “to re-focus on things that matter”, including jobs, schools, and safe neighbourhoods, he wrote.

“We want to ensure that Mostarians will be able to choose their leaders in elections, like all other citizens in this country did in October,” Ambassador Moore wrote, “and we want to ensure that the rule of law is respected.”

He pointed out that while a majority of parties representing Mostar citizens are now cooperating constructively in the search for compromise, the two main parties have blocked efforts to find a solution to the city’s – and therefore the citizens’ – problems.

“They are stubbornly sticking to unrealistic positions that have no credible chance of being adopted in local bodies,” he wrote.

Ambassador Moore called on all parties to focus on reaching a comprehensive political compromise that respects the decisions of the Constitutional Court. “Within the framework of such a compromise, all of these other issues, including financing for the City, could be agreed.”

“Unless the parties commit themselves fully and sincerely to the effort to find such a compromise, divisions and tensions in Mostar could deepen further,” he warned.

Ambassador Moore reiterated the International Community’s continuing commitment to help all stakeholders in Mostar find solutions, but for this to succeed, he stressed, “our local partners must demonstrate that they possess the political will and flexibility to bring an end to the crisis.”

The full text of PDHR Moore’s column can be accessed here.