Inzko on PIC session: No solution in sight for Mostar, elections must be repeated in Stolac

The two-day session of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) has concluded in Sarajevo, and the High Representative in BiH Valentin Inzko stated that there were many topics discussed by PIC members.

The first conclusion remains the PIC's commitment to the territorial integrity of BiH, as well as full support for the mandate of the OHR. 

It was emphasized that BiH has made positive steps on the path towards EU integration.

- BiH will receive a questionnaire from Commissioner Hahn the day after tomorrow. The PIC simultaneously called on BiH leadership to speed up the process. On the other hand, BiH is facing many challenges, which is also a question of disputing the Dayton Agreement.

Inzko added that the decisions of the Constitutional Court of BiH are posed as a matter of the rule of law and are unquestionable.

- Decisions of the Constitutional Court are posed as a matter of the rule of law, and we were concerned about the idea that some bodies think that the decisions of this Court can be rejected or changed by political decisions. The Steering Board is of the opinion that all BiH leaders must contribute to the future of BiH, avoiding the denial of Dayton.

The issue of Mostar is emerging as one of the priorities.

- The failure to hold elections in Mostar is seen as a major failure of parties to implement democratic principles. At the meeting with the Presidency, we received certain assurances that the issue of Mostar could be resolved soon - he stated.

- As for Stolac, the PIC believes that the Central Election Commission should make a decision on repeating the elections. The decision of the Constitutional Court must be respected, and it is of vital importance that the situation in Stolac remains peaceful. We expect the ruling coalitions in BiH to fulfill the given promises.

Valentin Inzko's Deputy, Bruce Berton, added that BiH needs responsible leadership.

- There is a fight against corruption, but its implementation in reality is not a success but a failure. BiH needs leadership, a political class that would put aside its own interests, and as the main benefit for BiH citizens. Also, it is up to the leaders to take the main steps - Berton said.

(N1)