OHR Press Releases

The High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, today issued Decisions harmonising the Prosecutorial systems in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, its ten Cantons and in the Republika Srpska. The High Representatives Decisions amend the existing laws governing the Prosecutors Offices in the FBiH Cantons and in both BiH Entities consolidating Prosecu [...]

The High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, today issued a Decision harmonising the texts of the Law on Internal Affairs of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The High Representative issued this Decision following close consultation with, and support from, the FBiH Government. This legislation replaces the existing FBiH Law on Internal Affairs, [...]

The High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, yesterday called for reforms in the field of defence structures in BiH, media reporting on yesterdays meeting between the High Representative and the BiH Presidency have misrepresented the High Representatives statement.

The High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, has appointed Ambassador Bernard Fassier as Senior Deputy High Representative and Head of Rule of Law unit. Mr. Fassier was born in France in 1944. He is married and father of five.

The High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, today issued a Decision amending the RS Law on Urban Planning enabling the RS to meet in an efficient and speedy manner its obligations under Annex 8 of the Dayton Peace Agreement, which covers the preservation and reconstruction of national monuments.

The double-taxation system that existed in BiH until just a few weeks ago “defied economic sense and acted as a major drag on efforts to attract investment to BiH, stimulate business and create jobs,” the High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, told a meeting of senior officials from the State of BiH, the Entities and Brcko District today.

An efficient education system, sustained by and inculcating democratic values, is key to the development of BiH as a normal European state, Senior Deputy High Representative Gerhard Enver Schroembgens said on Thursday. Ambassador Schroembgenswas hosting a fundraiser at Dobrinja Primary School. The school has been rebuilt by funds donated by USAID. [...]

As part of his plan to implement his priorities of justice and jobs through reform the High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, yesterday issued three Decisions to strengthen the criminal justice system in BiH. These decisions establish a Bosnia and Herzegovina level Prosecutor’s Office, amend the Law on the Court of BiH to include special panels for or [...]

The High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, yesterday issued a Decision to reform the justice system in BiH by appointing members to the three High Judicial and Prosecutorial Councils at the BiH and Entity level. These councils will be responsible for strengthening the integrity and independence of the judicial system. A full list of the appointees, co [...]

The Office of the High Representative is very concerned about the performance of the Federation Ministry for Social Welfare in its reconstruction assistance program. The ministry made certain promises regarding the reconstruction of some 450 pre-war houses in the Mostar region, specifically in Canton 7 and Eastern RS.