PIC: BiH authorities to ensure measures for economic recovery and long-term fiscal stability

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Following yesterday's report by the UN Resident Coordinator and representatives of the World Health Organization and the International Monetary Fund on the consequences that the crisis caused by COVID-19 will have
on Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) Steering Board once again emphasized that the international community will continue to cooperate with all relevant institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure material and other types of assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the fight against the coronavirus, which should be managed transparently and responsibly, taking into account the greatest needs.

"The Peace Implementation Council Steering Board supports the positive political statements by BiH politicians advocating cooperation and the need for a joint response to the crisis, including the recent statement and coordination taking place in the BiH Presidency. The Peace Implementation Council Steering Board fully supports the proportional and coordinated measures taken by all levels of government in the fight against the pandemic and the preservation of the health and well-being of BiH citizens. The Steering Board also underlines the need for a more coordinated and far-reaching approach in efforts to minimize the socio-economic consequences of this crisis," reads the statement of the PIC ambassadors, joined by EUFOR, the IMF, the NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo, the OSCE, the World Bank, Sweden, Switzerland, the UN in BiH, and the Council of Europe.

The PIC Steering Board emphasizes that the response to the current health crisis in BiH can be effective if the authorities demonstrate unity and good governance, respecting the constitutional and legal framework of BiH at all levels, the rule of law, transparency, and accountability, in the interest of all citizens.

"The authorities should ensure that all emergency measures are balanced and correspond to the actual demands on the ground for the duration of the crisis. The BiH authorities should commit to measures that will enable better economic recovery and longer-term fiscal stability. At the same time, it is important to revise budgets at all levels of government in BiH to take into account current priorities. The PIC Steering Board appeals to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to fully comply with the temporary measures adopted by the authorities to stop the spread of COVID-19, which is key to success in this common struggle," the statement said.