OHR related Articles
03/01/2007
Article by Christian Schwarz-Schilling, High Representative for BiH “It Takes Two to Tango”
On Tuesday, the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board extended the mandate of the Office of the High Representative until end June 2008. It did this in response to my assessment that progress made by the domestic authorities during the past 12 months in respect of their obligations under Dayton and the requirements of the European integration [...]
02/24/2007
Article by Christian Schwarz-Schilling, High Representative for BiH “Bosnia’s Road to Ownership”
In South Eastern Europe, the European Union is facing a unique practical test. If, as expected, agreement is reached in the coming weeks on the future status of Kosovo, the largest civilian mission in history will swing into action. With this in mind, it is worth having a look at the post-war experience in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
02/23/2007
Weekly column by Christian Schwarz-Schilling, High Representative for BiH “It’s the Future of Bosnia and Herzegovina that Matters”
On Monday and Tuesday, the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council will meet in Brussels, together with representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by the Presidency and the Prime Minister.
A great deal has been written and said about this meeting, and almost all of it has focused on the future of the Office of the High [...]
A great deal has been written and said about this meeting, and almost all of it has focused on the future of the Office of the High [...]
02/20/2007
Article by Christian Schwarz-Schilling, High Representative for BiH “Time for ownership”
Two opposite worldviews dominate the debate about the best way to tackle post-war situations – whether in the Balkans, in Afghanistan or Iraq. The first one encourages straightforward international intervention in domestic legislation to lay the foundations for democratic procedures and the rule of law. The second one puts its trust in local owners [...]
02/16/2007
Weekly column by Christian Schwarz-Schilling, High Representative for BiH:”Time to End Higher Education Chaos”
A large number of readers will be painfully familiar with the shortcomings of higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Just last week nearly 300 graduates from two private faculties in Republika Srpska had their degrees annulled because the Education Ministry concluded that the process of academic assessment at the faculties was flawed. This is [...]
02/15/2007
Article by Raffi Gregorian, Principal Deputy High Representative
Just three years ago, defence reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina was considered impossible. To get constructive discussion underway it was necessary to overcome a great deal of fear and misinformation. The prospects for reaching agreement were considered slim. I know. I was there.
02/12/2007
Article by Christian Schwarz-Schilling, High Representative for BiH “Bosnia Run by the Bosnians”
We live in an era where the mechanics of peacekeeping and nation-building are at the heart of geopolitical debate. While Afghanistan and Iraq dominate the headlines, the experience of Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to be illuminating.
02/09/2007
Weekly column by Christian Schwarz-Schilling, High Representative for BiH “Seize the Day”
Police reform is fundamental to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s journey from peace implementation to European integration. It is a reform that is urgently needed to improve the life of citizens. But it is also a precondition for the signing of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union. Now, there is a real opportunity to reac [...]
02/02/2007
Weekly column by Christian Schwarz-Schilling, High Representative for BiH “Responsibility and Long-Term Solutions “
My view on how to secure a prosperous and democratic future for Bosnia and Herzegovina is well known. So is my take on who is responsible for making this happen: it is the job of the elected representatives of this country. If it isn’t done by them, it won’t be done at all. I have been criticised for holding to this view. I continue to hold it beca [...]
02/01/2007
Article by Chris Bennett, OHR / EUSR Director of Communications”In Bosnia, a hands-off approach is better”
Rather than depend on outside intervention, the country must govern itself, says Chris Bennett
Ian Traynor wrote: "The sense of destabilising crisis gathering over former Yugoslavia intensified last night when the German official in charge of running Bosnia abruptly announced he was resigning" (German Bosnia chief 'fired' after just [...]
Ian Traynor wrote: "The sense of destabilising crisis gathering over former Yugoslavia intensified last night when the German official in charge of running Bosnia abruptly announced he was resigning" (German Bosnia chief 'fired' after just [...]