Supervisor Welcomes COMEUFOR to Brcko

The Supervisor of Brcko District, Dr. Raffi Gregorian, today welcomed Major General Bernhard Bair, Commander of the European Union Force (EUFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in his first official visit to the District since assuming command of EUFOR in December 2009.  “General Bair’s visit to Brcko so early in his tour as COMEUFOR is a clear signal that he appreciates the strategic importance of Brcko,” said Supervisor Gregorian.  “We are all grateful to him for his visit, and the message of stability it sends at a time of political tension in BiH,” said Gregorian.

Supervisor Gregorian briefed General Bair and his staff on the foundation and development of Brcko District, progress made towards completing the Brcko Final Award, and remaining challenges.  The biggest challenge is the ongoing refusal of the SNSD-led government of Republika Srpska to honor outstanding legal obligations under the Final Award, including on debts, entity citizenship, and electricity.  Such refusal constitutes “serious non-compliance” with the Final Award and is the main reason preventing termination of supervision in Brcko.

“General Bair has an excellent understanding of the situation in Brcko and the important role that EUFOR has to play in terms of reassuring residents of Brcko and citizens of BiH,” commented the Supervisor.  “His visit at this time is particularly important, bearing in mind that no referendum can be held on the territory of Brcko District without the prior written approval of the Supervisor,” Gregorian concluded.