Yesterday, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, had his first official call on Federation Prime Minister Edhem Bicakcic, and his deputy, Dragan Covic. He also met separately with Federation President Ivo Andric Luzanski and Federation Vice President Ejup Ganic.
The main topic of discussion at both meetings was the abolition of parallel institutions, which the High Representative insists will be one of his highest priorities. There can be no place for parallel institutions in a modern state with European aspirations. Concomitantly, only with a fully functioning Federation in place, the Common Institutions of BiH will be working.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s education system was also discussed. The High Representative insisted that Principal Deputy High Representative Ralph Johnson’s instructions be implemented without delay. These are that, as an interim measure, all schools must offer parents a choice of curriculum under which their child is to be educated. That said, the High Representative stressed that the International Community remained committed to developing a joint curriculum for Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will grant every people the necessary flexibility to teach their own culture.
The issue of the Pension Law was also raised in the meeting with the Federation Prime Minister and his Deputy. The High Representative stated that the Draft Law should be sent to the Federation Parliament without delay, and expects the issue to be resolved within the next month.
The High Representative also discussed the need for a good Labor Law in this country. It is an integral part of the privatization process. The OHR is ready to support legislative efforts in this respect, and to offer expert technical advice.