High
Representative Welcomes CLAC Vote
The High Representative,
Christian Schwarz-Schilling, welcomed the outcome of yesterday’s discussion in
the Constitutional and Legal Commission of the BiH
Parliament. The decision means that BiH’s elected representatives now
have the opportunity to discuss these amendments in in a
broader forum. It is now up to Parliament to consider these
amendments, he said.
He pointed out that
these amendments are the result of many months of painstaking negotiations
and have broad party support – much more than any other proposal so
far. He said that the proposed changes are an important step towards
streamlining the State structures, which will help equip BiH better for EU
integration.
The amendments are the
first step in a longer process. There will be an opportunity to put forward
further amendments in a second phase. The High Representative has committed
himself publicly to taking an active role in the second phase, but
noted that this can only be built on the basis of a successful first
phase .
Law on
RTRS Considered by the RS Government
The RS Government is due to
consider the draft Law on RTRS at is session today. The Law on RTRS creates the
legal basis for a key element of the Public Broadcasting System in BiH. If this
system is to function effectively Entity legislation must be fully harmonised
with the existing legislation at the State level.
The importance of this
legislation cannot be underestimated. The EC has made it clear that a fully
harmonised legislation, forming a functioning system across BiH is a requirement
for the completion of the current negotiations for a Stabilisation and
Association Agreement.
The Entity authorities are
already three months late in fulfilling this SAA requirement, the State Law,
passed in October last year required the Entities to adopted harmonized
legislation within 2 months of the Law being published in the Official
Gazette.
High
Representative in
The High Representative, Christian Schwarz-Schilling is today in
Washington
where he will meet with
senior officials from the World Bank and the IMF. He will emphasize that his
goal is to encourage a more business friendly environment. He will say that he
believes that the economic situation is much better than its image and say that
his goal is to improve BiH’s image abroad.
But he will point out some of
his concerns – namely that fiscal discipline in the run up to elections. He will
say that this will be critical, and raise concern about possible
increases in salaries and untargeted social benefits.
He will also welcome the
start of the drafting of legislation that will regularize the status of the
National Fiscal Council and will highlight the need to improve the
regulatory framework in BiH.
