Michael Joe Cosgrave
Question:113 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the recent elections in Bosnia. [27571/00]
Written Answers. - Bosnian Elections.
These were the third general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina since the war there ended. According to reports by independent monitors on behalf of the international community, the elections were free and fair, and conducted in an atmosphere of peace and security. As to the outcome of the elections, while there is some disappointment at the continuing high level of support within their own communities for the nationalist parties in the different entities, I am encouraged by the performance of the moderate parties, particularly in the Federation, comprising the Bosniak Muslim and the Croat communities. As compared with the 1998 elections, the moderate parties have significantly improved their performance, bringing greater pluralism to the entity and State bodies.
It remains to be seen how far the moderate parties will be able to form alliances with one another, and that discussion will take some time. However, it is clear how important it is, at a time when events are moving ahead rapidly in Belgrade and Zagreb and the region as a whole, that a new Government in Bosnia and Herzegovina should be formed as soon as possible.
At the level of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and at the level of the federation, there is a good possibility of moderate coalitions, though the balance is fragile and much will depend upon the personalities involved.
In the Republika Srpska, the Serb entity, the central question is whether a Government of moderate parties can be formed. Although the nationalist Serbian Democratic Party is the strongest party in the RS, the party leadership understands that an SDS-led Government would not be able to command international support.
It is important that, in the interests of developing a stable and tolerant multi-ethnic Bosnia and Herzegovina, the incoming Government should implement the decisions of the Peace Implementation Council which its predecessor agreed in May last, in the areas of economic reform, return of refugees and displaced persons, and the strengthening of political institutions of the State.