Chairman of the Council of Ministers of B-H Receives Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe

The Chairman of the Council of Ministers of B-H dr. Nikola Špirić talked today in Sarajevo with a delegation of the Council of Europe, led by Commissioner for Human Rights Tomas Hamarberg. 

The meeting was attended by Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of B-H Safet Halilović and Minister of Justice of B-H Bariša Čolak.

Chairman Špirić informed the delegation of the current situation in B-H in the context of October General Elections, expressing his hope that authorities at all levels will be formed as soon as possible.

It was concluded that B-H has made a considerable progress in implementation of formal requirements it undertook by acceding the Council of Europe, on April 23, 2002. Also, a need was stressed for implementation of the European Court for Human Rights award in case “Sejdić & Finci”.

B-H has done a lot to fulfil its post-accession obligations, Špirić said, and added that over 90 requirments towards the Council of Europe were met. Chairman Špirić underlined that dealing with the remaining issues, political ones, in particular, such as the Constitution, necessitates an internal dialogue, as a guarantee of country’ success. 

Chairman Špirić expressed his hope that the monitoring procedure in the current form will evolve into a “postmonitoring dialogue”, and the reason more for that is the remaining commitments now becoming a part of EU accession process.

The meeting discussed specific human rights issues, with a focus on the vulnerable groups, status of internally displaced persons, as well as refugees from Croatia, rights of Roma population, decertified policemen and other issues.

It was assessed that the Presidency of B-H should complete the procedures for appointment of B-H representatives in the Council of Europe bodies as early as possible. 

Chairman Špirić informed the delegation of the Council of Europe that today’s session of the Council of Ministers of B-H defined a Proposal Basis for negotiations and conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Council of Ministers of B-H and Council of Europe on the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo and its legal status, which will secure the legal continuity of this office. (end)