Today the House of Peoples of BiH rejected the framework Law on the Privatisation of Enterprises and Banks, as a result of a vote against the measure by Serb members of the Assembly. This Law had previously been adopted by the Council of Ministers and the House of Representatives.
This Obstruction by members of the House of Peoples on a spurious pretext is entirely unacceptable, and inconsistent with the previously agreed positions of the House of Representatives and the Council of Ministers. This obstruction can only be construed as an attempt to endanger the economic rehabilitation programme of which the Framework Privatisation Law is a key component, and to let discrimination and cronyism dominate over economic reform.
The High Representative wishes to re-affirm the view that the Framework Law on Privatisation must be adopted and implemented without delay, in accordance with the principles of non-discrimination and transparency.
For this reason the High Representative has decided today to impose the Framework law on the Privatisation of Enterprises and Banks. This will enter into force with immediate effect.