In view of the ongoing strikes and public protests in Mostar, the Office of the High Representative reminds the political parties represented in the Mostar City Council – SDA, HDZ BiH, NSRzB, SDP, HDZ 1990, SBiH and HSP Đapić-Jurišić – that they are responsible for the current situation. They were elected by the citizens to serve the interests of the city. These parties are not fulfilling their obligations.
Since the local elections more than nine months ago, the leaders of these parties have failed to hold any serious talks aimed at overcoming the situation in Mostar, despite the fact city council has yet to elect a mayor and adopt a city budget. Instead of pursuing political dialogue, the parties have sought to deflect blame from themselves and direct it towards each other and the OHR.
Now, with public pressure mounting over the budget crisis, some parties have even sought to cover themselves by withdrawing from further participation in the City Council or calling for new elections. This is irresponsible.
The OHR stands ready to assist the parties in the implementation of the Statute of the City of Mostar. However, the OHR is not prepared to accept the failure of the political parties to fulfill their basic obligations, or to do their jobs for them.
Strikes, public protests and the prospect of social unrest in the city of Mostar should be more than enough to move responsible politicians to take concrete steps to overcome the situation, whereas their failure to act calls into question their fitness to lead the city government and serve the people of Mostar.
The OHR reminds those political parties that the stalemate in Mostar is unacceptable to the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council, and as such it calls upon the political leaders to take urgent action to address the situation.