Continued questioning of Dayton and its core institutions, divisive rhetoric and challenges to the sovereignty and constitutional order of BiH unfortunately continue to mar the BiH political scene, said High Representative Valentin Inzko today. He was with the United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Philip Reeker, who is visiting Sarajevo.
The High Representative and Deputy Assistant Secretary Reeker discussed the current state of political paralysis in BiH, including the lack of a state budget and the failure to form a new Council of Ministers. They also discussed the complex and unwieldy administrative system in the Federation of BiH and continuing questions that exist over the parties’ readiness to accept and respect the Final Award and the status of the Brcko District.
The High Representative underlined the continuing need to support BiH institutions and expressed concern that no state budget was adopted for 2011. “The consequences of a continuation in the current budget impasse for key Dayton institutions and the state as a whole would be very serious”, the High Representative noted.
Welcoming the newly reinforced EU presence in BiH the High Representative underlined the “excellent working relations” that exist between OHR and the EU in BiH.
Speaking about the possible way ahead, the High Representative noted that the international community can and will help the country on its road to recovery, emphasizing that this will be possible only if BiH leaders work together to deelop and implement a constructive agenda in the interests of the citizens of BiH, that fully respects the Peace Agreement and takes the country decisively towards Euro-Atlantic integration.