The Acting High Representative to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Louis J. Crishock, spoke to Federalna Televizija (FTV) about appointing the new High Representative, the Bonn Powers, cooperation with domestic authorities following their election, public RTV system issues, and the Srebrenica Genocide commemoration.
Speaking about the appointment of the new High Representative, Crishock highlighted that he was acting as an OHR representative rather than a US administration spokesperson. When asked about potentially appointing a new High Representative by July 14, he declined to comment on specific candidates but noted that the PIC Steering Board’s decision demonstrates the institution’s importance.
“The fact that the members of the PIC Steering Board chose to appoint me as an ad hoc High Representative, and the fact they decided to try to appoint a new one by July 14, signals that they agree on the importance of this institution, its term, and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
He added that the appointment of the new High Representative is the matter of the PIC Steering Board.
“I won’t make comments about some candidates or ongoing talks. It is a question for the PIC Steering Board. They should appoint the candidate, and we hope they will do it by the due date; if not, then soon after.”
Bonn Powers as the Last Option
Commenting on statements about reducing the OHR powers, Crishock said he has full powers of the High Representative.
“It is important to highlight that I have the full powers of the High Representative, which include the use of Bonn Powers in case of a serious threat to the Dayton Peace Agreement or peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The use of Bonn Powers was never a first solution or option. We always tried to encourage local authorities to take over the leadership role and find a solution to the problem.”
Cooperation with Authorities after Elections
Speaking about the upcoming elections, Crishock said that the OHR will cooperate with elected leaders at all levels of government, regardless of the election results.
“In any case, we in the OHR are looking forward to cooperating with elected leaders at different levels of government in both entities and at a state level. When you cooperate with someone, it is not necessary to agree on all matters. It is important that you cooperate in an open, honest way and share mutual values. Our key values are a full implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the significance of peace and stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the country’s Constitutional Order.”
Domestic Authorities Should Solve the BHRT Matter
Speaking about the RTV system issue and the position of BHRT, Crishock reminded that domestic politicians have shown, with a recent decision, that they can act when there is a will.
“The fact that domestic politicians have recently managed to somehow ease the pressure on BHRT by allocating six million BAM to the broadcaster means that they can find a solution to this problem.”
He called on domestic authorities to find a permanent and sustainable solution for financing and managing BHRT.
“I call on them to find a solution that is sustainable and permanent. This is a very important matter; this is one out of 14 key priorities for the EU, and it will remain so. “
He emphasized that the sole fact that the issue is difficult does not mean the OHR should solve it.
“Only because the matter is highly significant or difficult does not mean that the OHR should be the first to resolve it. I believe that domestic powers are fully capable of finding a solution in line with the law from 2005, and I am inviting them and the future government after elections to urgently solve that matter.”
Remembering Srebrenica Is Everyone’s Obligation
Speaking ahead of the Srebrenica Genocide anniversary, Crishock said that preserving the memory is an obligation for all actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international community.
“Commemorating the Srebrenica Genocide is a duty for all actors within Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international community. It is our obligation, and I am honored to spend the weekend in Srebrenica on behalf of the Office of the High Representative.”
He said that remembering genocide is not only a matter of the past, but it is also an obligation towards victims, their families, and future generations.
“Remembering Srebrenica and the Srebrenica Genocide is an obligation towards victims, their family members, this generation, and future generations.”
He especially emphasized that the denial of genocide cannot be seen as a freedom of speech.
“Denial of genocide is not only a political speech or freedom of speech. It is an attack on victims and their family members.”
Crishock recalled the support of the United States, the OHR, and PIC Steering Board member states for the Srebrenica Memorial Center.
“I am proud of the US and OHR support for the Srebrenica Memorial Center. PIC Steering Board members, including Turkey and the Netherlands, have also been involved in supporting the Memorial Center and preserving the memory of the Srebrenica genocide.”
