The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, wishes to express his satisfaction that the Law on De-Mining has been successfully adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This Law establishes the legal foundation for the development of joint structures and standards that will be applied in de-mining activities throughout BiH, enhancing transparency and efficiency.

International donors, who have until now provided the bulk of funds for mine-action in BiH, have been unanimous in their support for the De-mining Law, and its passage will ensure their continued assistance in clearing BiH of mines. Following adoption of the Law, BiH must now rationalise its own participation in mine-clearance, with the Entities allocating funds in their budgets to finance Mine Action Centres and pay the salaries of their employees. By doing this the BiH authorities will demonstrate their real commitment to de-mining and enter into authentic partnership with international donors in resolving a one of the most pernicious legacies of the 1992-95 conflict.

The High Representative now looks forward to a comprehensive Mine Action strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina being developed as soon as possible by the BiH Mine Action Centre, for approval by the De-mining Commission, and adoption by the BiH Council of Ministers.