The High Representative today announced that he is lifting the ban on 3 individuals who were removed in June 2004 for ICTY obstruction. The individuals are Goran Popovic, Zeljko Jungic and Svetozar Radulovic. The High Representative underlined that this is part of the ongoing process started in March 2005 to review removal decisions on a case by case basis. It means that where an individual has changed, or circumstances have changed, and the OHR and the International Community can conclude an individual is no longer a danger to the peace process, that they may resume public life. The decisions taken are based on political judgement and do not effect any ongoing legal processes these individuals may be involved in.
The High Representative noted that considerable progress had been made by the RS Authorities in 2005, particularly after the establishment in February of the ICTY Monitoring Group under the co-chairmanship of the High Representative and PM Terzic. Given these circumstances, the High Representative has concluded that it is appropriate to recognize progress and encourage more progress by lifting his decisions on some additional individuals who were previously removed. In taking the decisions in respect of these individuals the High Representative has consulted closely with the ICTY and other relevant international organisation.
But the High Representative also noted that ICTY cooperation will not be completed until all ICTY indictees are in The Hague, most notably Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic.
Removing recalcitrant officials from public functions was (and is) an extraordinary measure that has been necessary in order to eliminate major political and institutional obstacles to peace implementation.
Reversing a removal Decision does not call into question the validity of the original Decision, but BiH’s progress means that it is both possible and necessary to consider the phased repeal of some removal Decisions.