Brussels and Sarajevo clash on power handover

The EC and Bosnia-Herzegovina disagree on the timetable for handing over power to the government.

Izvor: EU Observer

Friday, 30.06.2006.

13:23

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Brussels and Sarajevo clash on power handover

After talks with EU enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn in Brussels on Wednesday, Bosnian Prime Minister Adnan Terzić said that "commissioner Rehn and myself do not share the same view on this issue."

The international community, including the European Commission, is seeking to end the interventionist mandate of the international community's high representative in Sarajevo, Christian Schwarz-Schilling.

Schwarz-Schilling himself said last week that his mandate is to end by the middle of next year, after which his post will be that of the EU's special representative, holding far less powers to intervene in Bosnian affairs.

Schwarz-Schilling's current post was set up as part of the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement, and involves wide-ranging competencies including the possible sacking of high-ranking Bosnian officials.

Rehn indicated that "prior to the (October) elections we wanted to give the message to make it clear that it is time for the full empowerment and responsibility to the leaders and politicians of Bosnia and Herzegovina."

But Terzić stated "I believe it is a mistake to close down the Office of the High Representative without having the SAA (Stabilisation and Association Agreement) signed," referring to a preliminary deal on closer ties with Brussels which could be signed before the end of the year.

Sarajevo believes Brussels is wrong in talking about ending international supervision on Bosnian affairs at a time when the signing of an SAA deal, symbolising the first tangible step on a long road to possible EU accession, is still uncertain.

"The Office of the High Representative is required in case things go in the opposite direction of the SAA," Terzić stated.

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