New DPC Policy Brief - How to Pull-Out of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Dead-End
Kurt Bassuener February 20th, 2009
DPC Policy Brief - How to Pull-Out of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Dead-End calls for strong leadership of and tools for the “reinforced” European Union Special Representative (EUSR) mission to follow closure of the Office of the High Representative (OHR). The brief notes the rising climate of fear and uncertainty in the country must be arrested by the international community to stop the slide toward conflict. The paper also argues that only by confronting the constitutional reform issue can the EU assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in meeting EU standards.
To the EU:
1) Appoint a politically capable leader as High Representative/EUSR.
2) Articulate clear constitutional reform guidelines and make constitutional reform the core of the EUSR mandate.
3) Give the EUSR executive authority to confront anti-Dayton activity.
4) Ensure that EUFOR has credible operational capacity throughout the country to deter and respond to threats to public security and the Dayton Peace Accords.
5) Authorize the EUSR to decide on fulfilment of EU conditions and all sanctions.
6) Ensure EUSR possesses anti-organized crime and corruption investigative capacity.
7) Maintain a broad international coalition in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
To the Peace Implementation Council:
8) Insist on full completion of the 5+2 formula prior to closing OHR.
To the US:
9) Appoint a Presidential Special Envoy to the Balkans to demonstrate US engagement and promote international policy cohesion.
10) Post a US flag officer in the NATO HQ Sarajevo to identify training and exercise opportunities.
I was reading with great interest this latest Policy Brief. It was prepared and written professionally and in a bona fide manner, despite offering a murky pictures. But, that’s so.
Regarding belligerents forces emerging, I was watching this morning a story broadcast via RTRS, relates to hunters ride nearby Trebinje. Five or so killed wolves were encircled with hundred or so hunters. But, consider this detail: all were in a camouflage uniforms!? As I’ve managed to notice, some of them even with wartime insignia!
This is not something typical for RS, but for the Federation too. Simply, it’s a widespread practice, in particular in rural areas, to see people in camouflage uniforms while doing everyday jobs - at home, in fields, in a pastime. These uniforms are not ragged, but almost a brand-new. Namely, at any improvised black market stands there are plenty of camouflage uniform sets.
Maybe, I’m paranoid, and maybe it’s all of marginal importance, but the new EUSR should ban civilians to wear camouflage uniforms, since it fosters militant spirit, which we don’t need anymore.
And finally, again, as I said last year in my comment relates to an another briefing, this report didn’t mention detrimental role religious leaders were/are playing. Gluha Bukovica case has emphasized this secular/clerical clash in Bosnia. So far, never, ever did happen that any of High Reps or their deputies have criticized religious leaders for entering politics. This malpractice should be eliminated permanently for the benefit of this country.