Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Oct 1996

Vol. 469 No. 3

Written Answers. - Aftermath of Bosnian Elections.

Ray Burke

Question:

10 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current situation in Bosnia in the aftermath of the recent elections; and the current position regarding the new power-sharing institutions in that country. [17470/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

On 29 September the Provisional Election Commission certified the results of the elections of 14 September in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The High Representative is now engaged in discussions with the parties with a view to having the collective Bosnian Presidency sworn into office at an early date, and all the common institutions of the State established by the end of October.

Ireland and the European Union have urged all parties to co-operate fully with the High Representative to ensure a smooth and swift transition over the coming weeks, and to work together diligently to ensure that the structures of the state are established. The international community will maintain pressure on all sides to co-operate in this process, particularly through the International Contact Group for former Yugoslavia and the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council, in which Ireland, as Presidency of the European Union, participates.