Commemorating the 27th anniversary of the tragic deaths of twelve colleagues, Peter Backes, Livio Beccaccio, Andrzej Buler, David Kriskovich, Leah Melnick, Charles Morpeth, William Nesbitt, Marvin Padgett, Thomas Reinhardt, Jurgen Schauf, Georg Stiebler, and Ambassador Gerd Wagner, Principal Deputy High Representative Louis Crishock said: “With profound gratitude we remember OHR and UN colleagues who died tragically on 17 September 1997, in a helicopter crash at Prokoško Lake near Fojnica. Their commitment to a prosperous and peaceful Bosnia and Herzegovina is a guiding light to us all, and the success of Bosnia and Herzegovina will stand as the greatest tribute to their sacrifice. On this day, our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends.”
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ingrid Macdonald, said: “Today, we pay tribute to the twelve brave women and men who gave their lives working toward a better future for Bosnia and Herzegovina. We honour their professionalism, dedication, and service in striving to bring lasting peace to this country. As we remember them and extend our respect to their families, we reaffirm our commitment to ensure that their legacy endures.”
