OHR related Interviews

Twenty years after the end of the war, it is time to move decisively towards the goal people in BiH want: European Union membership and the prosperity and standard of living it has brought to so many other Europeans.

High Representative Valentin Inzko said in the interview for web portal Klix.ba that bh. citizens should certainly not live in fear

BiH's future is crystal clear; it is inside Euro-Atlantic family. This is what the institutions of this country have declared and committed to time and time again.

There is absolutely no doubt that the RS National Assembly adopted a decision that goes beyond its competencies despite being clearly warned in advance by the International Community not to do so.

The judiciary must be allowed to act independently. An independent judiciary is the cornerstone of any democracy, and should be respected by all.

What is important now it to keep a clear head. I want to appeal to every citizen in BiH to have faith in their institutions and show the necessary restraint in their reactions to prevent a rise in tensions.

I think that there is a consensus in the country about Euro-Atlantic integration, that the EU is a common goal and that the EU now has a key role in reforms, together with local politicians. But Dayton remains the constitutional framework for this country.

The problems that affect peoples’ lives are obvious. I’m talking about lack of jobs, a judicial system that does not apply the law equally and fairly to all, rampant corruption which serves a powerful minority, unacceptable delays in completing the reforms needed for Euro-Atlantic integration.

Last February’s protests should have been a wake-up call for politicians in Bosnia and Herzegovina that something fundamental needs to change, that citizens want their elected representatives to do more than just fight for their own personal and party privileges.

It would be really nice to see more women in the governing institutions. Similarly, it would be good to see the government making a decision to reduce the number of ministries and administrations in general.