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'Dayton Contains Errors, Needs Improvement' |
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Tuesday, 22 November 2005By Ali H. Aslan
Published: Monday, November 21, 2005
zaman.com
Bosna-Hersek (Bosnia-Herzegovina) is preparing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Dayton treaty which ended four years of bloody warfare in Bosnia. However, Bosnia seems rather focused on the discussions of a new constitution that would save the country from the troubles of the political system, which the treaty cannot solve.
The political and the religious leaders of the country are currently in Washington to have talks about the US-led efforts for a new constitution. In its 10th anniversary, the 21 November 1995 dated Dayton treaty is being discussed with regard to what it settles and what it does not.
The architect of the treaty, which brought peace to Bosnia with the US' pressure following Europe's prolonged negligence, retired Ambassador Richard Holbrooke spoke to Zaman. He is of the opinion that Dayton treaty is not perfect and needs improvement.
You are the architect of the treaty, which is currently being reconsidered at Washington with an amendment in view. Are you happy with the current situation in Bosnia after a decade has elapsed since Dayton's signature?
With regards to security the situation is OK yet I cannot say the political situation is satisfactory. The most serious failure in security had been the pending capture of the former Serbian leaders, (war criminals) Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic. But, this is not relevant to Dayton. Dayton just ordains the capture of the war criminals and many war criminals have been captured. The pending capture of the two individuals is a problem regarding the application. Most do not realize the treaty and the application are different. However, this difference is critical.
People say the system brought in by the Dayton Treaty does not properly function anymore. Do you agree with them?
No, I do not agree with them. I just think Dayton needs improvement. However, it worked quite well. It was not a perfect treaty but, it attained its goals. It ended the war and conferred peace and independence to Bosnia. However, the treaty was short of giving a good political system to Bosnia and what needs to be repaired now is this point. Furthermore, the treaty did not envisage a military organization and this is being corrected. Nor did it bring in a strong police force, which is also being handled.
We observe an US led effort to prepare a new constitution. Do you think a new constitution can be of help in resolving the problems?
I have always said Dayton was not perfect, it had errors in it and needed improvement.
Do you contribute in any way to the work conducted in the United States Institute of Peace for a new constitution?
I bring in some assistance and recommendations from my corner. Those who conduct the project are my friends. I fully support them.
Do you agree with the thesis that the address for the solution of all the problems in the Balkans, including Bosnia, is the European Union (EU)?
I think Bosnia's entrance to the EU membership process is very important for Europe's integration.
How do you regard the Bush administration's Bosnia policy?
I think they are rather negligent about Bosnia and Kosovo.
What can Turkey do about Bosnia?
Turkey is of great assistance. They've done it well so far.
What can Turkey do about Kosovo?
I do not have any advice to give; but I think they have done good things. Turkey has many big issues ahead of it; particularly in the south, on the Iraq border. I think it would not be right to ask more from Turkey.
Dayton Peace Prize for Holbrooke
Hollbrooke was awarded the Dayton Peace Prize in the 10th anniversary of the peace deal that ended the war in Bosnia.
American diplomat received the prize in a ceremony held Sunday at Dayton, Ohio, where the deal was signed.
The prize was previously accorded to Former US President Bill Clinton and American financier George Soros. Holbrooke in the address he delivered at Dayton said the Bush administration's focusing back on the Balkans which they have been neglecting for four years was a good development.
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Tuesday, 22 November 2005
zaman
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