Moore: There will be no so-called referendum in RS on state jurisdiction, period

Head of the OSCE Mission in BiH Jonathan Moore stated at a press conference in Sarajevo today that no one will seek information that reveals the identity of parties in certain war crimes cases, and that the OSCE is committed to its role as a neutral observer, writes the BiH news agency Patria.

Moore also stated that he welcomes the conclusions of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, which stated that the OSCE's analysis of work is in accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace in BiH (Dayton Peace Agreement).

He noted that the independent analysis by UK judge Joanna Korner will be completed by mid-November, and that she has reviewed Court of BiH war crimes cases and received answers and specific objections from judges regarding the work of prosecutors at the BiH Prosecutor's Office.

- The analysis will include advice and ideas on how the Court and Prosecutor's Office can work more efficiently. I do not expect any sensitive evidence, specific cases, or mention of names. We do not have the authority or intention to impose anything. There will be a lot of advice for both the Court and the Prosecutor's Office - said Moore.

He also stated that there have been various criticisms in war crimes cases, and that a period of 20 years is a long time for family members waiting for verdicts.

- Families are seeking justice, it's not a matter of statistics. We just want to contribute to the efficiency of the judiciary in BiH.

When asked if the OSCE's review of war crimes cases could serve as an excuse for a referendum on the judiciary in RS, announced by the President of RS Milorad Dodik, Moore firmly rejected that possibility.

- The so-called referendum has no possibility. I respect the position of High Representative Valentin Inzko. There is no possibility of a referendum on state jurisdiction, period - said Moore.

Given that the BiH Prosecutor's Office refuses to provide cases for review, Moore stated that there will be no consequences.

- Judge Korner met with the President of the HJPC Milan Tegeltija, she spoke with judges of the Court of BiH. She asked specific questions and received specific answers. Judges voiced criticism of the prosecutors' work, but she also received information from other sources - said Moore, explaining that other sources include former employees of these institutions as well as OSCE officials who monitor the work of the Court of BiH and the BiH Prosecutor's Office.

Moore stated that it is strange that the BiH Prosecutor's Office did not react positively to the request, but that he respects their work.

- Some say that the BiH Prosecutor's Office wants to hide something. I doubt that is the case. I do not consider this to be pressure on the BiH Prosecutor's Office, nor are we violating the laws of this country - said Moore, but added that these two state institutions are under political pressure.

He reiterated that the goal of the analysis is not to discuss specific cases, but to improve the efficiency of the BiH Prosecutor's Office and the Court of BiH.