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Political Directors of the Peace Implementation Council
Steering Board met in Sarajevo on 22-23 May and welcomed the political dialogue
and compromise that has been seen in recent months. This has enabled notable
progress and offers hope that 2012 can be a landmark year for Bosnia and
Herzegovina’s (BiH) journey towards stability, prosperity, recovery and
reconciliation.
The Steering Board welcomed, among other positive steps, the
formation of a Council of Ministers dedicated to moving the country forwards,
including the adoption of key EU-required legislation and progress on resolving
defence and state property issues. It welcomed the continued close
cooperation between the European Union presence, the OHR, and other
international actors. Noting that much work remains to be done to enable the
country to continue to make progress, including on the EU agenda, the Steering
Board called on leaders in BiH to swiftly:
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Implement the Sejdic-Finci judgement of the European Court
of Human Rights;
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Adopt a comprehensive global fiscal framework for 2012-2014
and a 2012 state budget that will ensure the full functioning of the
state-level institutions and the fulfilment of BiH’s international
obligations;
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Agree to a functional EU coordination mechanism between the
different levels of authority to enable BiH to speak with one voice on
EU-related matters.
The PIC Steering Board members welcomed the 9 March Agreement
on defence and state property. The NATO members of the PIC and Japan called upon
the BiH authorities to complete the steps necessary to enable the start of the
country’s NATO Membership Action Plan.
The PIC Steering Board reminded the political leaders and
competent institutions of the need to preserve achieved reforms and to complete
the 5+2 agenda, which remains necessary for OHR closure.
The PIC Steering Board welcomed the statement of the Supervisor
that substantial progress has been made in implementation of the Final Award. On
this basis, the Steering Board endorsed the decision of the High Representative
to close the office in Brcko established under the leadership of the Supervisor
by 31 August 2012. It also supported the decision of the Supervisor to suspend
his functions from the same date, and recognized the intent of the Supervisor to
exercise his functions under paragraphs 13 and 67 of the Final Award when the
conditions set out in those provisions have been met.[1] In this context, the PIC SB welcomed the EU’s intention to
establish an office in Brcko to facilitate Brcko’s adoption of reforms required
for BiH’s European integration. The PIC SB will continue to take a close
interest in developments in the District and looks forward to receiving regular
progress reports, including from the OSCE. The PIC will review the
implementation of the High Representative’s and the Supervisor’s decisions at
its next meeting.
The PIC Steering Board reiterated its full support to the
state judicial institutions and welcomed the EU-BiH Structured Dialogue on the
Judiciary as an essential tool to strengthen the rule of law. It urged parties
to fully cooperate with the process to improve the functioning of judicial
institutions throughout BiH. The Steering Board also called on the
competent authorities to ensure the budgetary and operational independence of
the police while providing for the appropriate level of oversight by elected
authorities.
The PIC Steering Board welcomed the results of the
international donors’ conference for the regional housing program held in
Sarajevo on April 24, and associated bilateral support to promote durable
solutions for refugees and displaced persons. The Steering Board also
called upon the competent authorities in BiH to implement their program for
durable solutions and to prevent rollback of existing progress on the return of
refugees and displaced persons to their pre-war homes, as guaranteed
under Annex 7 of the GFAP.
The PIC Steering Board welcomed the expressed willingness of
both Entities to participate in a joint commission on preparing a precise
description of the IEBL, as called for in Annex 2 of the GFAP, and urged all
parties to form the commission as soon as possible.
The PIC Steering Board urged political parties and leaders to
campaign during the forthcoming municipal elections in a forward-looking,
constructive, and responsible manner.
The PIC Steering Board reaffirmed that genocide in Srebrenica,
war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the course of the conflict
in BiH must not be forgotten or denied. Srebrenica and its victims have a
particular significance because of the genocide committed there. In light of the
upcoming local elections the PIC Steering Board made clear that all leaders and
elected authorities should avoid provocative acts and support reconciliation,
work in the interests of all residents of the municipality, facilitate the
return of former residents to Srebrenica, and promote economic development.
Candidates for local elections should avoid inflammatory statements. The PIC
Steering Board remains fully committed to ensuring the unimpeded functioning of
the Srebrenica-Potocari Memorial and Cemetery as well as ensuring that the
annual commemoration is held to honor the victims.[2]
The Steering Board called on the relevant authorities to
implement fully and promptly the BiH Constitutional Court’s ruling concerning
Mostar. Restraint from inflammatory language and actions, and a commitment to
constructive dialogue, compromise, and reconciliation would open the way to
municipal elections.
The PIC SB welcomed the successful conclusion of the EU Police
Mission by June 2012 and it expressed appreciation for the mission’s
achievements since 2003.
Recalling its earlier communiqués and declarations, the PIC
Steering Board underlined its unequivocal commitment to BiH’s territorial
integrity and sovereignty. It reiterated its full support for the High
Representative, who will continue to ensure full respect for the General
Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP) and carry out his mandate under Annex 10
and relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, which remains unchanged. The PIC
Steering Board reminded all parties of their obligation to fully comply with the
GFAP, all its annexes, and decisions of the High Representative. The PIC
Steering Board underlined that the International Community retains the necessary
instruments to uphold the Dayton Peace Agreement.
The PIC Steering Board will hold its next meeting on 29-30
November 2012 in Sarajevo.
[1] Turkey is of
the opinion that the maintenance of the supervisory regime in Brcko, until the
necessary conditions are met, is of vital importance for the unity and stability
of Bosnia and Herzegovina and therefore opposes the decision on the suspension
of supervision.
[2] Turkey has
requested that the High Representative report the position of Turkey
separately.
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