High Representative Points to Necessary Progress on Three Issues by June 20

The High Representative Dr Christian Schwarz-Schilling today urged top officials from Mostar to speed up the pace of integration in the city, outlining three key issues that require urgent attention prior to the next meeting of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board towards the end of June.

“I am concerned about the current stagnation in the unification process in Mostar. I would like to report at the end of June to the PIC that Mostar is progressing, but if there are no tangible results by the end of June, I will have to publicly name those who are responsible for the stalemate,” said the High Representative.

The three principal issues in which progress is necessary are:

• The adoption of the City Budget.
• The completion of the formation of the City Administration. This entails the adoption of the systemization plan in order to allow for the opening of 45 Civil Service vacancies.
• The establishment of a single public works company in Mostar

The High Representative said that he will not step in to resolve these issues, but that the only the authorities themselves can resolve them. He said he expects progress by the 20 June and the Council would heve to report to him until then.  

“I am not considering a new special regime or supervisor for Mostar. I meant what I said in February: I am not going to make decisions for you,” said the High Representative.

“Neither I will also not discuss any modification of the Statte of the City of Mostar . The statute is here to stay and must be fully implemented”, he added.