The OHR supports COMSFOR’s action early this morning which resulted in the departure of Croatian police personnel from the Martin Brod area.
This action was taken only after assurances, which were made to the High Representative that the personnel in question would be removed, were not kept.
The High Representative is disappointed that this action was necessary, especially in view of the series of productive exchanges which had taken place over the past few weeks, including the inaugural meeting of the Border Commission.
As background, the High Representative had written to the Croatian Government on three occasions requesting the removal of these personnel and resolution of the issue by the Border Commission. He received written assurances that the personnel would be removed which, unfortunately, were not kept.
Additionally, the situation was not helped by recent inflammatory public speeches, an offensive article in the official Government newspaper and a provocative interview given by the Croatian Consul General in Bihac. These actions only exacerbated an already difficult situation.
The High Representative hopes we can now put this issue behind us and allow such disputes to be resolved in the appropriate forum created for that purpose, the Border Commission.