18.04.2006 OHR Sarajevo

Transcript of the International Agencies’ Joint Press Conference

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OHR, Oleg Milisic
EUPM, Monja Koluder
EUFOR, Karen Halsey

 

OHR

HR to Highlight Constitutional Reform, Police Decertification

The HR is today in New York where he will address the UN Security Council for the first time as High Representative. He will then meet with the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

He will highlight the necessity for Constitutional Reform, as well as the need for the issue of the decertified police officers to be resolved before the end of the OHR’s mandate.

He will say that Constitutional Reform is a priority for BiH, and note that the passing of the proposed amendments will send an important signal about the country’s readiness to reform itself on the path to Europe, as well as its preparedness to serve its citizens better.

He will say that a ‘No’ to constitutional reform would represent a significant set-back for BiH.

The HR will say that he is committed to assuming an active role in this second phase of constitutional reform, but note that a second phase can only be built on the basis of a successful first phase.

On the issue of the decertified police officers, the HR will express his determination to see the issue revolved before the end of the OHR’s mandate. He will, however, note that the situation cannot be resolved without the support of the UN.

He will say that he fully supports the approach of the BiH government on this issue, and say he has the backing of the EU to pursue a solution.

“We should not preach the principles of the rule of law, responsibility for reforms and ownership, and at the same time contradict this principles in our own activities,” he will say, in this regard.

The HR will tomorrow travel to Washington where he will meet with officials from the World Bank and the State Department.

We will distribute the HR’s speech to the UNSC later this afternoon.

 

EUPM

European Union Police Mission Sponsors Kids Festival

European Union Police Mission will be the main sponsor of this year’s Kids Festival taking place is Sarajevo between 9-15 June 2006. The Kid’s Festival as the largest independent youth event in South East Europe which attracts around 30,000 children from across BiH represents a unique combination of education and entertainment.

This sponsorship represents a part of the efforts of the local police supported by the EUPM on raising awareness on drugs hazard.

In addition to various activities that the children from across BiH will be involved in the Kids Festival, the EUPM is particularly pleased to announce that one day – 15 June – will be proclaimed a Police Day.

This will be a chance for all law enforcement agencies to directly interact with the children by focusing on anti-drugs, traffic safety and other messages relevant for their safer childhood.

The European Union Police Mission believes that the active involvement of the police in this project will certainly contribute to building a positive image of the police and enhancing the trust of the people in the law enforcement agencies. It is where a democratic police belongs – in the centre of society, close to the citizens they serve and protect.

 

EUFOR

No statement.