OSCE urges immediate formation of government in Central Bosnia Canton
TRAVNIK, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 5 April 2001 - OSCE Head of Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Robert L. Barry, visited Travnik Thursday to discuss the implementation of election results in Central Bosnia Canton and urge the immediate formation of a government.
During his visit, the Head of Mission met with the Governor of Central Bosnia Canton, Rudo Vidovic, and the Vice-Governor, Nedzad Hadzic. He also met with representatives of the other political parties represented in the Cantonal Assembly, including Muazem Gerin of the SDP, Jahija Seferovic of the SBiH, Marko Vidak of NHI, and Ekrem Secic of the BSP.
In the meetings, Ambassador Barry expressed the concern of the international community about the delays in forming a cantonal government, and urged all officials to conclude the negotiations on formation of a government immediately.
"Normally, 100 days after an election the citizens are assessing how the first hundred days of the government went, what decisions have been taken, what progress has been made. Here, not only is it not possible to assess the work of the government - there isn't a government," Ambassador Barry said. "What has clearly been lacking so far has been the political will - on all sides - to compromise. The remaining gap is small, and we expect the parties to bridge it immediately for the sake of the citizens of the canton, and we expect them to do it today."
The OSCE established its present Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 December 1995. In accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP), the OSCE Mission activities are to: promote Democratization and the building of a vibrant civil society, foster the development of professional journalism and monitor the rights of journalists, monitor and advance the Human Rights situation, supervise the conduct of Elections, and encourage Regional Stabilization through arms control and confidence and security-building measures. The OSCE Mission continues to work closely with other international organizations and local institutions to implement the Dayton Peace Accords.
For more information, please contact Sanela Tunovic, Deputy Spokesperson, OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, tel.: ++387/(0)66 134-758 or Pearse McCorley, Press Officer, OSCE Regional Center Banja Luka, tel.: ++387/(0)51 321-0274.