10/24/2005 OHR Brcko

Brcko Supervisor Sets the Record Straight Regarding the Brcko District Budget Issue

In order to avoid any further confusion and misconceptions that might result from recent news reports in combination with the latest press release issued by the Mayor of Brcko on the issue of the Brcko District Budget 2006 proposal, Brcko Supervisor Susan Johnson would like to clarify some of the basic facts on this issue.

First, the points made in Supervisor’s letter to Mayor Djapo expressing disappointment that the basic approach to preparing the budget remains deeply flawed, the budget   materials present information in a non-transparent way, and without presenting clear objectives, program or projects to achieve the priority objective, still stand. So far no materials have been presented by the Government, that could cause these comments to be out-of-date.

Second, the Supervisor has not expressed either approval or disapproval of the budget since she has not yet seen it. The budget is at least by one month late. OHR hadn’t been given an opportunity to comment on it. The Supervisor, wanting to make sure that there isn’t further delay, agreed that the proposal should be sent to the Assembly.

And, third, it is the responsibility of the Assembly now to carefully review the budget. OHR is ready to work with the Assembly and provide further comment on the Budget 2006 as it is going through the regular procedure.