The United States is deeply concerned over the
reported statements of Member of the Bosnian Joint
Presidency Izetbegovic regarding the recent eviction
order for a Bosniak in Sarajevo. In a society under the
rule of law, executive officials’ first responsibility
is faithful execution of their nation’s laws.
We, therefore, find particularly objectionable the
suggestion that government officials and members of the
judiciary should disregard laws they don't agree with by
either failing to issue eviction orders or encouraging
citizens to ignore legal eviction orders, especially
when those cases concern human rights issues of
displaced persons or refugees.
We cannot accept such disregard for the rule of law
and in particular Annex 7 of the Dayton/Paris Accords.
Annex 7 is absolutely clear. It guarantees the right
of displaced persons and refugees voluntarily to return
to their homes of origin in conditions of security and
dignity.
Property legislation passed in the Federation and the
Republika Srpska must be implemented expeditiously and
fairly. No state, entity, canton, or municipality is
exempt from its obligations under this annex of the
agreement.
This is a core principle of the Dayton/Paris Accords.
It was agreed to by all parties at Dayton, and is
central to the success of the stabilization of peace and
democratic development in Bosnia and the region.
We fully support the statements of High
Representative Petritsch and OSCE Bosnia Head of Mission
Barry on this matter.
Statements to the contrary by government officials
threaten both the rule of law in Bosnia Herzegovina and
continuing support by the international community to
assist Bosnia in its effort to transition toward
democracy and the rule of
law.
