The Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and HerzegovinaNews
CHIEF PROSECUTOR MET WITH THE HEAD OF THE OSCE MISSION TO BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
05.02.2013. 15:17
Mr. Burton congratulated the Chief Prosecutor on his appointment and pointed out that OSCE is determined to continue to support the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH in its work as well all future efforts and challenges.
Chief Prosecutor and Head of the OSCE Mission discussed the cooperation of OSCE and the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH, in particular the future prosecution of pending war crimes cases in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as steps to be taken to ensure effective prosecution of war crimes and establish the rule of law.
Mr. Burton has welcomed the commitment of the Chief Prosecutor and noted that the Mission is preparing to launch a new project, which will provide resources for the recruitment of staff for additional support, education and training, as well as operational costs of the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH.
The project will be funded by donations from the governments of Norway, Switzerland, the U.S., Great Britain and Italy.
"I am pleased that the Mission has recognized the efforts of the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH to establish the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Prosecution of war crimes cases is one of our key priorities, and I am grateful to the Mission and donor countries for their assistance in our efforts to ensure justice for the victims and safer living environment for all BiH citizens and future generations to come, "- stated Salihović.
Mr. Burton has congratulated the Chief Prosecutor on the recent signing and entry into force of the Protocol of the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH and the Office of the War Crimes Prosecutor of the Republic of Serbia on cooperation in prosecution of perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
"Regional cooperation is essential to prevent impunity for all perpetrators who had taken refuge beyond the borders" - stated Burton.
The OCSE Mission shall continue to work together with the Prosecutor’s Office, to ensure full implementation of the signed agreement, as well as the signing of future agreements on cooperation with other countries in the region.
This announcement does not prejudice the outcome of the criminal proceedings and does not violate the principle of the presumption of innocence. A person shall be considered innocent of a crime until guilt has been established by a final verdict (Article 3, paragraph 1 of the CPC BiH).
