The High Representative, Christian Schwarz-Schilling, today lifted the effects of the decision removing Stiepo Andrijic from office.
Mr Andrijic had been removed from his position of President of the Management Board of the Federation Privatisation Agency on 22 May 2000.
After concluding that the reasons for his removal no longer apply, the High Representative decided to lift the effect of the 2000 Decision and permit Mr Andrijic to hold official, elective or appointive public office, to run in elections and to hold office within political parties.
The decision of the High Representative does not return Mr. Andrijic to the positions from which he was removed. There is a difference between being entitled to return to public life and actually doing so.
The High Representative’s Decision, which takes immediate effect, has 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.
It does not call into question the validity of the original removal, nor does it entitle the concerned individual to automatic restoration to the office from which he was removed.
Removals have played an important role in helping Bosnia and Herzegovina emerge from the aftermath of war. It is widely accepted – by the Venice Commission among others – that the removal of obstructionist officials has helped take the peace process forward.
However, as Bosnia and Herzegovina meets its Dayton obligations and moves towards Euro-Atlantic integration, there are compelling reasons why certain bans should be lifted.