The High Representative,
Christian Schwarz-Schilling, has emphasised the fact that BiH’s future can
only be premised on respect for human rights . He made this point
during a meeting yesterday  at the OHR with Federation BiH
Ombudsmen, Vera Jovanovic, Branka Raguz and Esad Muhibic.

The High
Representative noted that the new State Law on Ombudsmen is already in force,
and he said he was pleased that the Law adopted by BiH’s Parliament is in
line with recommendations received from the Venice Commission.

The Law includes provisions for the Entity Ombusdsman’s Offices to transition
into a State-level institution by

31 December 2006 . The High Representative emphasised that “appointments to
this institution must be absolutely independent”. The High Representative said
that he stands ready to support the process of preparing an initial framework
for the future functioning of the State Ombudsman’s institution.

Discussion at the meeting
covered the respect for human rights generally in BiH; how this can be
improved and how to ensure that that all levels of Government implement
recommendations made by the Ombudsman’s Office.  there was agreement
that an increased awareness of the role of the Ombudsmen, as an element in
strengthening democracy in BiH, is required. “BiH needs effective structures of
governance and a civil sector to monitor their work,” the High
Representative said.

High Representative To Plant A Tree In Ambassadors
Alley

The High Representative, Christian Swartz-Schilling, will plant a tree in
Ambassadors Alley at  one
o’clock
today. He will make a short statement there afterwards. Journalists interested
in covering this event should contact the

Stari
Grad
Municipality
’s press office for further
details. 

BiH Law on Obligations in 2006

Principal Deputy High Representative Larry Butler will call on the BiH
authorities to take the necessary steps as soon as possible to enact the BiH Law
on Obligations. Ambassador Butler will be one of the speakers tomorrow at an
event marking the third anniversary of the Sarajevo Economc Regional Development
Agency (SERDA).  Ambassador Butler will point out that falling interest
rates, rising investment and one of the most stable currencies in

Southeast
Europe mean that BiH is at last
experiencing forward economic momentum. In addition, the new VAT system is
paying dividends in terms of increased government revenue and better regulation
of the commercial sector. However, outdated and conflicting commercial
legislation remains a major drag on business expansion and job
creation.

“A massive step forward in
resolving this will be the enactment of a new BiH Law on Obligations to replace
the mishmash of laws that have emerged from the old 1978 Yugoslav Law on
Obligations, which was a product of the pre-Internet, pre-Global economy era,”
Ambassador Butler will point out. He will call on the Regional Development
Agencies to lobby for the enactment of the new law before the e

nd of 2006.

RTQ