The way forward for Central Bosnia Canton (CBC) – and for Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole – is full respect for the rule of law and political dialogue, Principal Deputy High Representative Roderick Moore told a CBC delegation that visited the OHR in Sarajevo today.
On specific issues regarding the formation of a CBC government, PDHR Moore said “The High Representative is committed to ensuring that the constitutional right of constituent peoples to invoke vital national interests be respected. It is now up to the Federation Constitutional Court to rule on the challenge to the Decision on May 10 to elect a new cantonal government.”.
“Pending a decision by the Court, the political parties in the Canton must work together constructively to ensure that legal processes are respected and that the cantonal authorities are able to discharge thier pressing obligations to the citizens of CBC.”
He said the legal process will determine in due course the legality of the CBC Assembly’s 10 May Decision, but added “As in the rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the key is to engage in dialogue in order to find a political solution that upholds the interests of all citizens.”
Among other things, he urges the relevant representatives to ensure that a candidate for Croat member of the Cantonal Assembly presidency is proposed and appointed without further delay, as this would remove a stumbling block in forming a new CBC Government that has broad cross-party support.
Ambassador Moore said the OHR has explained the constitutional situation to all parties and that it hopes to see a political agreement achieved among them.