High Representative Issues Decisions Affecting Removal of Two Officials

As part of a programme underway since March 2005, the High Representative, Christian Schwarz-Schilling, has issued two Decisions affecting the bans on participation in the public life of Bosnia and Herzegovina placed on two individuals.

Concluding that the reasons for the removal of Mijat Tuka on 28 March 2003 no longer apply, the High Representative has expressly permitted Mr Tuka to hold official, elective or appointive public office, to run in elections and to hold office within political parties.

Concluding that the reasons for the removal of Munir Alibabic on 21 October 2002 to a large extent no longer apply, the High Representative has expressly permitted Mr Alibabic to hold official, elective or appointive public office, to run in elections and to hold office within political parties, though Mr Alibabic continues to be barred from holding positions in security agencies and ministries listed in the Decision.

These two Decisions have been issued in light of the principles of equity, proper governance and judicious exercise of the High Representative’s international mandate, which take into account the balance between the protection of national stability and the rights of the individual. They do not call into question the validity of the original removals, nor do they entitle the individuals concerned to automatic restoration to the office from which they were removed.

Both Decisions take immediate effect.