OHR welcomes the political focus on the 2012 state budget this week, and it is important that it is maintained and increased so that a budget is adopted.
State-level institutions have been struggling on temporary financing for 15 months, and we regret that they remain on temporary financing as the second quarter of 2012 begins.
OHR urges the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina to adopt a state budget for 2012 as a matter of priority. Adoption must, of course, be in full compliance with the Constitutional procedures and the relevant legislation.
Without a budget, the country’s development and progress are seriously impeded. Among other consequences, the ability to finance elections and implement the decisions passed Parliament are brought into question.
OHR reminds that the Peace Implementation Council’s Steering Board called on political leaders and elected representatives on 13 December to adopt a state budget that will ensure the full functioning of state-level institutions and the fulfillment of BiH’s international obligations.