Supervisor Gregorian Clarifies Legal Basis Regarding the Monuments Issue in Brcko

Following recent media reports on an initiative to construct a monument to fallen soldiers in the center of Brcko, even without the necessary permissions, Brcko District Supervisor, Dr. Raffi Gregorian sent a letter to the Mayor of Brcko District, to clarify the legal basis with regard to the issue.

The Supervisor insists that the rule of law be strictly observed in the District and he expects all District institutions to fulfill their duties in this regard.

Supervisor Gregorian reminded the Mayor of the legal and factual situation with regard to the issue of construction of a religious, national or ethnic character in Brcko District as per Supervisory Order of March 23, 2007.  That Order stipulates that a construction permit for new construction of a religious, national or ethnic character will not be granted without an urban plan, covering the location of the proposed construction and adopted after the date of adoption of the current spatial plan, explicitly providing for the construction in question.

The Supervisor notes that the District Urban Plan adopted on July 19, 2007 makes no provision for the construction of a monument of national character, meaning the necessary legal basis for such construction does not exist at this time.

The Supervisor calls again upon all relevant associations to engage in a constructive dialogue aimed at finding an amicable solution of the issue.