The High Representative Carlos Westendorp remains disappointed with the progress achieved in implementing the Sarajevo Declaration. It is clear that the target of 20,000 minority returns to the city will not be met this year.
However, while estimates of how many minority returns have taken place vary, it is clear that return is happening. There are also indications that the available housing space in Sarajevo needs to be expanded to make room for more returns.
That is why the High Representative has recommended to the European Commission to lift the freeze on funding projects that are designed to create additional accommodation.
Yet the authorities must redouble their efforts to implement the Sarajevo Declaration in full, and must give more support to the Sarajevo Housing Committee.
In particular, Ambassador Westendorp expects them to have resolved satisfactorily all the individual cases listed in the Sarajevo Declaration by the time the Peace Implementation Council meets in Madrid on December 15 and 16. He also expects the authorities to resolve issues such as the use of military apartments. Further, he insists that the Sarajevo Education Working Group be given full support and recent difficulties over the textbook review be resolved.
The High Representative has asked for a full review of the results of the implementation of the Sarajevo Declaration to be prepared in advance of the Madrid Conference. The results of this review will determine the view that he and the donor community take on future aid to Sarajevo. The International Community will not continue to invest in new housing, if abuse of the existing housing stock continues.