High Representative Valentin Inzko has directed the appointment of Gerhard Sontheim as Supervisor of Brcko District in an acting capacity until Ambassador Roderick Moore arrives to take up the position on a permanent basis. Mr. Sontheim’s appointment will take effect upon the departure of Supervisor Raffi Gregorian.
Mr. Sontheim joined OHR’s Mostar Office in July 1998 and then moved to Brcko as Deputy Head of the Brcko Final Award Office from May 2000 to March 2010. He held the position of Acting Supervisor from 13 March to 18 April 2001 and from 1 October 2003 to 15 January 2004.
Accepting Supervisor Gregorian’s recommendation regarding the temporary appointment, the High Representative expressed his confidence that Mr. Sontheim’s familiarity with the District will enable him to carry out the responsibilities of Supervisor and to further the implementation of the Brcko Final Award. Mr. Sontheim has the full authority of the position of Supervisor and the full support of the High Representative and outgoing and incoming Supervisors. The High Representative expects the District authorities and all other authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to cooperate fully with Mr. Sontheim.
The High Representative also expressed his appreciation and thanks to Raffi Gregorian for his indefatigable work during his tenure in Brcko. Dr. Gregorian has made an effective contribution to many different aspects of life in the District, working to uphold the Dayton Peace Accords, particularly through his promotion of the rule of law, his support for efforts to bring to justice persons indicted for war crimes, and his decisive approach to ensuring completion of and compliance with the Final Award of the Brcko Arbitral Tribunal.