Supervisor of Brcko District Dr. Raffi Gregorian warmly welcomed today the adoption of Amendment 1 to the BiH Constitution adding Brcko District to the BiH Constitution. He also welcomed the swearing-in of the new Brcko District Government.
“By adopting the amendment and appointing the Government, important requirements have been satisfied for determining that District institutions are functioning ‘effectively and apparently permanently,’” said Gregorian. “These steps now allow me to focus on resolving the various administrative and legal tasks necessary to complete Supervision in line with the process laid out in the Final Award.” .
The constitutional amendment on Brcko District adopted by BiH Parliament makrs an important step in implementing the binding arbitration required under Annex 2 of Dayton for resolving the dispute between the entities over the Brcko area. The Final Award of the Arbitral Tribunal was issued in March 1999.
The amendment adds Brcko District to the BiH Constitution, as defined by the Tribunal’s awards, and provides the District effective, direct access to the Constitutional Court, while ensuring that no party can change the status or powers of the District as defined by the Arbitral Awards.
The new Brcko District Government was sworn in today before the District Assembly. Members of the Government committed themselves solemnly to uphold the Constitution and the laws of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the awards of the Brcko Arbitral Tribunal, the Statute and the laws of Brcko District and to protect the interests of the District and the equality and freedom of all people within the Brcko District.
“This District Government has gotten off to a good start, albeit a late one”, the Supervisor said today. “I expect it to take full responsibility for the welfare of all Brcko’s citizens”.