The Office of the High Representative welcomed the appointment of the new BiH Chief Prosecutor today. This appointment has been on hold for several months. Any further delay threatened to undermine the capacity of the institution to operate effectively and to ensure that criminals are brought to justice.
Bosnia and Herzegovina must, through its own institutions, address the terrible legacy of war crimes and the corruption that has undermined its society for too long. At its last meeting on 29 and 30 November, the Peace Implementation Council’s Steering Board stated its commitment and support to the State level judicial bodies, and called on all authorities to enable their proper functioning.
In this context the OHR welcomes the new Chief Prosecutor’s announced intention to continue efforts to entrench the Rule of Law, increase capacity, and strengthen the institution of the Office of the BiH Prosecutor.
There can be nobody above the law, and no place beyond the law, in Bosnia and Herzegovina. All the instruments that the country possesses for fighting crime need to be functioning fully. This long awaited appointment should start to make this aim a reality.
With the departure of international judges and prosecutors in the BiH Court and BiH Prosecutor’s Office it is essential that the BiH authorities provide their full support to the institutions of the Rule of Law and safeguard the progress achieved so far. Meeting with these departing judicial officials earlier this week, High Representative Valentin Inzko reaffirmed the international community’s commitment and support for the State level judicial bodies.