Statement by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on municipal elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Vienna, 10 April 2000 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner, welcomes the peaceful and orderly conduct of the municipal elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, adding that they represent an important contribution to the continued implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords.

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office notes with satisfaction that a solid majority of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina participated in the elections and welcomes the first preliminary results indicating that a growing number of Bosnian voters supports moderate parties promoting a multi-ethnic programme.

The high number of domestic observers and other civic groups who participated in the elections process is very encouraging. This in itself represents an important step towards local ownership of the electoral process in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The OSCE will continue to work with entity, state and local authorities to further develop the local capacity to carry out elections. Ultimately, Bosnia and Herzegovina must pass an election law, which is considered as a fundamental step in the process of handing over responsibility for elections from the international community to the people and institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The OSCE encourages the new holders of office to follow the path of moderation, national reconciliation and democracy and to implement necessary reforms for the benefit of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Chairperson-in-Office reiterates that the OSCE remains committed to its policy of supporting the moderate forces in the country and will assist them to ensure the strengthening of civil society, the acceleration of economic reforms, the realisation of the rule of law and the functioning of common institutions. In this context, Minister Ferrero-Waldner in particular underlines the importance of measures to accelerate the return of refugees and displaced persons.