As a part of a standing process regarding review of removal decisions, High Representative Valentin Inzko today lifted sanctions against four individuals previously removed for obstructing peace implementation.
Dragan Kalinić, Savo Krunić, Jovo Kosmajac, and Nemanja Vasić were removed from elected, appointed and political party positions in June 2004.
This decision is part of a process launched by the High Representative in March 2005. The lifting of sanctions does not affect any legal process to which these individuals may be subject. Nor does lifting a ban on a removed official call into question the validity of the original Decision. The lifting of a ban does not return individuals to the posts that they held at the time of removal.
Since the process of review started sanctions have been lifted in 52 individual cases.
Removing recalcitrant officials from public functions is an extraordinary measure that has been necessary in order to eliminate major political and institutional obstacles to implementing the Dayton Peace Accords. This strategy has been shown to work.
The High Representative will not hesitate to remove these or any other individuals found to be obstructing the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, particularly with respect to obstructing cooperation related to ICTY matters or providing support to persons indicted for war crimes (PIFWCs).