OSCE Mission welcomes agreement on greater communication and co-ordination between parliaments in Bosnia and Herzegovina

SARAJEVO, 27 September 2012 – The OSCE Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina today welcomed efforts to improve inter-parliamentary co-operation demonstrated at a three-day seminar in Jahorina with secretaries of working bodies from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s four parliaments.

The seminar, which was attended by representatives from the BiH Parliamentary Assembly, the Federation of BiH Parliament, the Republika Srpska National Assembly, and the Brcko District Assembly, focused on strengthening the role of the parliaments, improving their effectiveness, and fostering co-operation.

“I hope that parliamentary leaders will also recognize the importance of co-operation between the parliaments,” said the Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina Nina Suomalainen. “We encourage their support in implementing the conclusions and recommendations of the seminar.”

The interactive seminar gave committee secretaries and other parliamentary professionals the opportunity to openly discuss their needs and concerns as well as potential areas of assistance and co-operation.

Participants expressed their readiness to maintain and improve co-operation. They highlighted that the support and engagement of all, especially leadership and working bodies, is crucial for improving the effectiveness of the parliaments. The participants agreed to delegate a representative from their respective parliaments to define the modalities for future co-operation.

Suomalainen also emphasized that the Mission remained committed to working closely with the parliaments to help BiH’s legislative bodies fulfill their stated goal of EU integration.