OHR’s Statement at the International Agencies’ Joint Press Conference in Banja Luka

High Representative Lifts Ban on Edin Suljic and Dragan
Zelenika


The High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, yesterday (Wednesday) issued a notice
lifting the prohibition banning two individuals from employment in the Financial
Police.



On 15 November 2000, Edin Suljic and Dragan Zelenika were removed from the
post of Federation Financial Police Chief Inspector and Deputy Chief Inspector
respectively and banned from taking any post within the Financial Police. The
Federation Government was instructed to reinstate their predecessors in these
posts, who had been dismissed on political grounds.


Reflecting the changed circumstances that now exist, the High Representative
has repealed these bans, with immediate effect. Edin Suljic and Dragan Zelenika
are now permitted to hold any office within the Financial Police. Both
individuals have signed statements swearing to respect the Constitution of
Bosnia and Herzegovina and to uphold the Peace Agreement.



The process announced by the High Representative earlier this year means that
some individuals who, because they themselves have changed or because
circumstances have changed (or because of both), no longer represent an obstacle
to peace implementation can again aspire to positions in public life and
contribute to Bosnia and Herzegovina ‘s development.


Reversing a removal Decision does not call into question the validity of the
original Decision.


Should it be necessary the High Representative will not hesitate to remove
these or any other individuals found to be obstructing the consolidation of
peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Europa.ba