In a wide-ranging interview with Nezavizne Novine, Germany’s ambassador to BiH, Margret Uebber, explained Germany’s reasons for nominating Christian Schmidt as High Representative, said the Dayton Accords will “remain central,” and called for reforms to implement the European Court of Human Rights’ Sejdic and Finci decision.
Highlights of Ambassador Uebber’s comments are below.
The Dayton Peace Agreement stopped the terrible war in BiH from 1992-1995. Since then, it has guaranteed peace in the country and created the basis for stable development. The Dayton Accords remain central. At the same time, especially when it comes to the BiH Constitution, we do not see it as something that is in principle unchangeable; changes must be possible. For example, implementing the European Court of Human Rights’ “Sejdic and Finci” decision in terms of reforming electoral legislation would require a limited change to the Constitution.
At the moment, there are no thoughts in the EU about sanctions or similar measures against the countries of the Western Balkans. All countries in the region are striving for EU membership. A prerequisite for this is the application of the acquis communautaire and European standards, especially in the area of the rule of law. The EU supports countries in the region to implement reforms and meet those standards, but at the same time makes it clear that meeting those standards is a precondition for EU membership. At the same time, the EU must also fulfill its promises to the countries of the region.
Finally, we have a big job ahead of us to reform the election law. It is of the utmost importance that the 14 priorities of the EU Commission be harmonized with the electoral system in such a way that it is harmonized with the European standards and recommendations of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the OSCE and the Venice Commission. In our opinion, the application of the already mentioned decision “Sejdić and Finci”, as well as other relevant judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, is of special importance.
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