High Representative expresses satisfaction with Dobrinja arbitration

The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, expressed his satisfaction that a final decision has been found today regarding the issue of the disputed Inter-Entity Boundary Line in Dobrinja. He thanked the independent Arbitrator, Justice Diarmuid Sheridan, for the completion of his assignment. The Arbitration Award is final and binding.

The High Representative calls upon the residents of Dobrinja and the local authorities in the Federation and the Republika Srpska to respect the Award and urges all parties to arrive at sensible solutions to ensure the well-being of all citizens living and working in the area.

The High Representative said the final settlement of the IEBL will not affect the rights guaranteed to individuals under the law and the Constitution such as the right of refugees and displaced people to return to their homes.

In his conversations after the annnouncement of the Award today with RS Prime Minister Mladen Ivanic and Federation Prime Minister Alija Behmen, the High Representative said that he expected their full commitment to a smooth implementation of the Award.