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The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch,
and Ambassador Robert Barry, the Head of Mission of the OSCE, have issued a
binding Arbitration Award on the Drvar Municipality. The Award follows the
de-certification by Ambassador Barry of Drvar on August 2, 1999, in
accordance with the Provisional Election Commission's rules and regulations.
Although more than a year has passed since Drvar was granted Final Certification in March 1998, a fully functioning municipal executive body has yet to become a reality. The Mayor, Mile Marceta, has made a great contribution to the return of refugees and displaced people to Drvar. However, he has not been able to carry out the duty of his office on a day-to-day basis due to an incident last year in which he was physically attacked, and continuing threats to his security. The president of the Municipal Council, Borivoj Malbasic, has convened only one session of the Municipal Council. In the interest of a functioning municipality and after careful consideration, the High Representative and Ambassador Barry have decided with regret to replace Mr Marceta as Mayor. They have appointed Mr Momcilo Bajic from the Coalition for Drvar to this position. Given the difficulties Mr Marceta has faced during his mayoralty, he is not barred from holding other public functions. Both the High Representative and Ambassador Barry praise Mr. Marceta's courageous efforts to facilitate return to Drvar and encourage his continued involvement in return issues. The High Representative and Ambassador Barry have also removed Borivoj Malbasic from the position of President of the Municipal Council. A new President will be appointed from among candidates proposed by the HDZ at the next Municipal Council session, to be convened by the Deputy President of the Council. The Office of the High Representative and the OSCE Mission realize that a key factor for the functioning of the Drvar municipality is the creation of a positive and workable relationship between the municipality and the Cantonal government. The commitment of HDZ officials at both the municipal and Cantonal level has been inadequate to date. The High Representative and Ambassador Barry are deeply disappointed with the obstructionist behavior of the HDZ throughout the process of governance. The Drvar Municipality Arbitration Award is a continuing process, which will be closely monitored for compliance.
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