The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, on the occasion of the second anniversary of the establishment of Brcko District, expresses his satisfaction with recent progress in the District, and optimism for its continued development. Brcko District was established on 8 March 2000 by a Decision of the High Representative in accordance with the Brcko Final Arbitration Award as a single administrative unit beyond the control of the Entities and under the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During 2001 the District established an integrated multiethnic education system in which all schools use the same harmonised syllabus, designed to accommodate the cultural and linguistic requirements and sensitivities of children from all communities. Schools are completely integrated, with children and teachers drawn from all ethnic groups. Also in the course of the last year, the District launched a comprehensive reform of the judiciary, including the rehiring of judges following rigorous performance evaluation. And in the field of reconstruction and return, the District has made significant progress. By the end of 2001, 39 percent of property claims had been resolved, resulting in 5,269 returns.
“I am happy that, working together, the people of the Brcko District have built a strong foundation for the District’s future development and prosperity. I hope every resident will be able to see some of the benefits in his or her own life in the coming year,” said the Brcko Supervisor Henry L. Clarke. “The District is a unique and ongoing enterprise with its success based upon hard work, optimism and the trust of all Brcko Citizens. I am confident this will continue and I am honoured to be a part of it.”