OHR related Articles
10/11/2002
Article by the High Representative, Paddy Ashdown: “Bosnia wants change not nationalism”
The results of the general election last weekend in Bosnia-Herzegovina have been described as a swing back to nationalism - a vote for the parties that fought the Bosnia war. This makes good headlines at a time when the Balkans are finding it hard to make the news - but it is wrong...
10/03/2002
Editorial for Oslobodjenje by Paddy Ashdown, the High Representative for BiH
Saturday is polling day -- from Sunday, every day for four years, we will be living with the consequences of how Bosnia and Herzegovina votes on 5 October.
During those four years, the future of this region will be decided. By the next elections, Slovenia will be in the European Union, and Croatia at its gates. Where BiH will be depends on the [...]
07/03/2002
Article by the High Representative, Paddy Ashdown:”Progress put in peril by UN Diplomats”
As I write, intensive diplomacy is underway at the United Nations and in half a dozen capitals on either side of the Atlantic, aimed at averting a critical disruption of the international community’s peacekeeping operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
07/02/2002
Article by the High Representative, Paddy Ashdown:”Collateral Costs in Fighting a New Court”
Since taking over the job of leading the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina a month ago, I've been struck by two things: how much has been achieved since the war and how much work remains. That work could soon become a lot more difficult.
05/20/2002
Article by the High Representative Wolfgang Petritsch:”BiH’s Future is – Europe”
When I first arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in August 1999, I was convinced (otherwise I would not have taken the job) that the Dayton Peace Agreement represented a foundation for the country’s further development and that BiH could become a “normal” country. But I was aware of the continued danger of partition and I knew that [...]
05/16/2002
The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch:”BiH Must Fulfill all Conditions Before Visa Requirements are Abolished “
In one of Dnevni Avaz’ daily “public opinion polls” last week, 77% of the citizens agreed that I should propose to the Peace Implementation Council the abolition of the visa regime for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Increasingly, even parties and politicians call on me to do this. I would like to be able to do this. I kno [...]
04/15/2002
Editorial for Jutarnje Novine by Alexandra Stiglmayer, Head of the OHR Press Office:”Constitutional Reform in BiH: RS is becoming multi-ethnic”
Over the coming week, the reform of the Entity Constitutions will hopefully reach another important stage. By April 18, the two Entities should have got amended Constitutions that fully and without any changes incorporate the Sarajevo Agreement of 27 March. Undoubtedly, this process will be accompanied by as many public comments and expressions of [...]
03/14/2002
A guest commentator Openly on Thursdays: Avis Benes, a Spokesperson of OHR Mostar “Mostar – a half full or half empty glass”
In January 1996, when I came to Mostar for the first time, this city was an embodiment of divided Berlin. Today, even the option of Mostar as the capital of the BiH Federation is being discussed, and during his last visit to Mostar, the HR stated that he supports this option in principle. Is it possible? And where is Mostar, at this moment, in term [...]
02/20/2002
BiH is increasingly becoming a state
If anyone in BiH deserves to have a monument built for him, it is the present High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch. The man has done so much for this country that this kind of recognition he certainly deserved. This was best illustrated in his latest address before the EU General Affairs Council.