High Representative Miroslav Lajčák today issued a Decision extending the State and Entity laws that temporarily prohibit disposals of state property until there is an acceptable and sustainable resolution on the apportionment of State Property.
Accompanying today’s extension, the High Representative also sent a letter to political leaders urging them to negotiate an agreement that would bring this issue to a sustainable conclusion.
Resolving the issue of apportionment of property between state and other levels of government is one of five objectives set by the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board in order for OHR to transition to EUSR.
The High Representative recalled that the principle of functionality should govern this exercise. “All levels of government, including the State, need to have ownership over assets necessary to execute its constitutional competencies and responsibilities”, he said.
“The governments of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska need to demonstrate their commitment to domestic ownership, and work collectively to resolve this issue – not only so that the OHR can transition to EUSR, but that Bosnia and Herzegovina can be assured of being able to fulfill her constitutional duties”, the High Representative concluded.