Transcript of the International Agencies’ Joint Press Conference

OHR, Kevin Sullivan

OSCE, Aida Besic

EUFOR, Tim Smith

 


OHR


BiH Leaders Must Consider Post-Dayton Era


As you know, the High Representative is in the

US

this week,
where he will meet senior US and UN representatives and attend the events
surrounding the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement.
Today he will – for the last time in his capacity as High Representative –
address the UN Security Council.


He will say that the start of the

SAA
negotiations mark a decisive break with the past; and he will map out some of
the outstanding issues that need to be tackled as BiH moves further towards the
EU.


He will say that while the basic institutional framework necessary
for the smooth functioning of a state has been established, these
institutions must now be strengthened in order for them to become
effective. He will say that sustainability and functionality will become the key
watchwords as BiH moves further towards EU accession.


The High Representative will point out that the

Dayton

constitution has reached the
end of its usefulness as a framework for the next phase of

SAA
related reforms. He will say that while
the

Dayton

 constitution remains
essential for the foundations of peace, BiH political representatives must
consider the post
Dayton

era and
find a new constitutional framework to move forward.


This process must start as soon as possible. At issue is improving the
functional efficiency of BiH. The High Representative will say that is it
clear that the current cost of government is too high, and that the requirements
of EU integration will also necessitate change. He will say that the people of
BiH are entitled to demand a government that is accountable and efficient,
that spends less on government and civil service, and more on services such
as health and education. 


But he will also emphasise that this is not a job that can be done by
the International Community – it can only be done by the BiH institutions.


He will also address the issue of police decertification and urge the
Security Council to set up a review of the police certification process
conducted by the UN’s International Police Task Force.


He will point out that a review mechanism would consolidate the certification
process by overturning or confirming decisions that currently raise questions
about the validity of the process as a whole.


 


OSCE


High Schools students to demonstrate human rights and celebrate
diversity


December 10 is International Human Rights Day, the commemoration of the
signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.  It is an
opportunity for each of us to take time to honour the spirit and principles
enshrined therein – respect, equality, tolerance and diversity. 


To celebrate this day, the OSCE Mission to

Bosnia and Herzegovina

has launched a BiH-wide essay
competition among high school students.  The competition entitled will give
high school students an opportunity to write about their thoughts on diversity,
the freedom of expression and other fundamental human rights principles. 


Students must submit their essays the relevant OSCE regional centre by
Monday, 28 November.  The OSCE Mission to

Bosnia and Herzegovina

has four regional centres located
in
Banja Luka

, Mostar,

Tuzla

and

Sarajevo

.  Winners will be
selected by a panel comprised of Ambassador Douglas Davidson, Head of the OSCE
Mission to BiH, Vildana Selimbegovic, editor-in-chief of Dani Magazine, Mirsad
Kebo, State Minister for Human Rights and Refugees, and Srdjan Dizdarevic,
President of Helsinki Committee of BiH.  Winners will be announced in

Sarajevo

at an awards ceremony to be
held in December.


Ambassador Davidson to
AddressState
Commission for Refugees and Displaced Persons in
Banja Luka


Ambassador Davidson, Head of the OSCE Mission to

Bosnia and Herzegovina

will today address the State
Commission for Refugees and Displaced Persons at their 9th session in

Banja Luka

. He is attending this
session in order to provide support to the work of the Commission and the need
for enhanced cooperation with relevant governmental institutions at all levels.


Taking into account the Commission’s role in making policy related to the
return sector, Ambassador Davidson will address the raising need for
co-ordination in order to effectively support the sustainability of returns,
especially in the field of economic and social rights on issues such as health,
pension, employment, education and housing. In this regard, Ambassador Davidson
will encourage the Commission to investigate and address systemic problems that
prevent or discourage return and to actively follow up the implementation of its
conclusions, and lobby with Entity and relevant State level Ministries to ensure
that conclusions are taken seriously and acted upon. 


In its monitoring/observing role to the Commission, the OSCE Mission remains
committed to support the important work of the State Commission and the full
implementation of Annex 7 of the Dayton Peace Agreement.


 


EUFOR


No statement.


 


RTQs


SRNA:


Question for OHR and EUFOR. Do you have any information on RS Police
negotiating in last couple of days with one of PIFWCs on his surrender?


OHR:


I can say from OHR’s point of view that is not a topic on which we would have
any kind of comment.


EUFOR:


Absolutely. I am not aware of the situation. I have nothing to add on that at
the moment.

Europa.ba