Peace Implementation Council (PIC) Steering Board Ambassadors today called on the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the country’s political leaders to respect the International Court of Justice’s verdict in the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina versus Serbia and Montenegro. They emphasised that all must acknowledge that genocide occurred in Srebrenica. Steering Board Ambassadors also underlined that according to the verdict, states have an obligation to cooperation with the ICTY, which must be met in full.
With regard to the meeting in Srebrenica called by the municipality’s mayor at which representatives of BiH institutions and political parties agreed a document, Steering Board Ambassadors pointed out that all concerned must respect the Dayton Peace Agreement and the competencies of the institutions of BiH, the entities and the municipalities.
Steering Board Ambassadors pointed out that the status of municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina is governed by the constitutions and relevant laws of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its Entities. Any change can only be achieved in accordance with provisions contained therein.
The International Community has done a great deal to enable sustainable return to Srebrenica, including by providing humanitarian and economic assistance. The International Community will continue to help. The International Community will also continue to assist with the identification of victims of genocide.
However, responsibility for matters relating to the economic and social development Srebrenica rests with the competent institutions of this country, which should work together to improve the lives of all people of Srebrenica and to promote reconciliation.
PIC Steering Board Ambassadors also urged State and Entity authorities to work together to improve the economic, social and political conditions in Srebrenica to boost development, investment and job creation.