By a decision of the Principal Deputy High Representative, Ambassador Ralph Johnson of 10 September 1999, the authority and responsibility over the Mostar Airport has been transferred to the City of Mostar as of 17 September 1999.
As of this date, the Interim Arrangement for Mostar Airport, established by the High Representative’s decision dated 16 March 1998, and extended on 20 September 1998 and 20 March 1998, has terminated and the Interim Airport Authority has ceased to exist.
The High Representative expects the City of Mostar to administer the Airport in conformity with the Interim Statute of the City of Mostar and to conclude agreements necessary for the continuation of the proper functioning of the Airport for civil aviation operations.
The Airport of Mostar is the only airport explicitly mentioned in the Dayton Peace Agreement and is of particular importance for the development of the region. The International Community has provided considerable investments in the infrastructure, which is expected to continue. The economic situation of the Airport is stable and the Airport has an economically viable future.
The High Representative wishes to take this opportunity to thank the Interim Mostar Airport Authority for its outstanding performance in administering the Airport on behalf of the local authorities.
The High Representative, Ambassador Wolfgang Petritsch, today has informed the Steering Board in Brussels accordingly.