SECRETARY-GENERAL STRONGLY ENDORSES DECISION TO CREATE BRCKO DISTRICT OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Press Release
SG/SM/6917

SECRETARY-GENERAL STRONGLY ENDORSES DECISION TO CREATE BRCKO DISTRICT OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General strongly endorses the Brcko Arbitration Tribunal's decision to create the Brcko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina to be held in condominium by both entities. For Brcko, no less than for Bosnia itself, there is no alternative to democratic, multi-ethic government, and the Secretary-General is therefore particularly pleased that this vital principle has been upheld by the award.

The award provides a unique opportunity for the three communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to work together to promote economic prosperity, establish the rule of law and demonstrate their commitment to a tolerant and open society.

The Secretary-General strongly urges the leadership in both entities to serve the interests of all Brcko residents, regardless of their ethnicity, by complying fully with the arbitration award.

The United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and its International Police Task Force, will continue to assist the parties and the supervising authority in Brcko to ensure a smooth transition to a unified, multi-ethnic police and judicial system in the newly established Brcko district.

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