Petersberg Declaration on the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Country/entity: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Yugoslavia (former)
Region: Europe and Eurasia
Agreement name: Petersberg Declaration on the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Date: 25 Apr 1996
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Balkan Conflicts (1991 - 1995) (1998 - 2001)
Former Yugoslavia

The disintegration of former Yugoslavia post cold war saw conflicts which became mediated and produced peace agreements in Slovenia (where the brief independence conflict was mediated by the EC Troika in 1991), Croatia (between Croatian and Serb populations 1991-1995), in Bosnia (between Croatian, Serb and Bosniak populations 1992-1995), in Macedonia (where mediation played a key pre-emptive role in preventing large scale conflict in 2001), in Kosovo (between Kosovar Albanians and Serbian population and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), but also between FRY and NATO, 1998-1999), and a conflict in the Presevo Valley (between Albanians in South Serbia and FRY, 2000-2001). The continued fall-out of the disintegration of former Yugoslavia also saw mediated agreement and ultimate dissolution of the Union between Serbia and Montenegro.

Bosnia-Herzegovina

In 1991, after nationalist parties won the first multi-party elections in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, a violent process of disintegration commenced. With its mixed population, Bosnia-Herzegovina became the centre of the following civil war that began in 1992 between the newly formed army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (mostly Muslim Bosniacs), and the parastatal forces of self-declared Bosnian Croat (Herzeg-Bosnia) and Bosnian Serb (Republika Srpska) entities within Bosnia-Herzegovina, supported by Croatia and Serbia, with various, often short-lived, coalitions. The General Framework Agreement (Dayton Peace Agreement), signed in 1995, split the country into two ethno-federal entities, the Bosniak-Croat Federation and the Republika Srpska, and included continued peacekeeping and institutional administration by international actors.

Kosovo

The conflict between Serbs and Kosovar Albanians has a long history and always involved territorial disputes as well as ethno-political, cultural and linguistic factors. The most recent phase of the conflict began in November 1997 when the Albanian Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA or UCK) began their campaign for the independence of Kosovo from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY – then Serbia and Montenegro). The subsequent war lasted until the NATO intervention, which undertook bombing campaigns of Belgrade and other places in Serbia during spring 1999. The main agreements solving the conflict were internationally driven and, finally, a UNSC resolution imposed a post-conflict arrangement in the wake of what was essentially a NATO military victory. In February 2008, Kosovo’s parliament declared independence, but independence is still internationally disputed.
Stage: Implementation/renegotiation
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Bosnia peace process
Parties: Kresimir ZUBAK President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Izudin KAPETANOVIC Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Hasan MURATOVIC; Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Ejub GANIC Vice President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Drago BILANDZIJA Federation Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Jadranko PRLIC Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Third parties: As witnesses: Mate GRANIC, Foreign Minister, Republic of Croatia; Peter TARNOFF, Under Secretary of State, United States of America; Wolfgang ISCHINGER, Political Director, Federal Republic of Germany; Ambassador Michael, STEINER Principal Deputy High Representative
Description: This agreement to implement unfulfilled provisions of the Sarajevo Agreement, and is divided into key areas: federation implementation, human rights institutions, media issues, police issues, and economic issues.

Agreement document: BA_960425_Peterberg Declaration on the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bonn.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: Groups→Racial/ethnic/national group→Anti-discrimination
Page 2, Federation implementation, 9.
We reaffirm the commitment under the Rome Statement on Sarajevo of 18 February 1996 that there will be equal treatment and non-discrimination for Bosniacs, Croats, Serbs and Others in Sarajevo...
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Rhetorical
Page 2, 7.
We reiterate our commitment with regard to the provisions of the Peace Agreement that all refugees and displaced persons have the right to return to their homes in the whole territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina with full protection of their human and other rights.

Page 2, Federation implementation, 9.
We reaffirm the commitment under the Rome Statement on Sarajevo of 18 February 1996 that there will be equal treatment and non-discrimination for Bosniacs, Croats, Serbs and Others in Sarajevo. This includes, in line with paragraph 7 above, the right of return for refugees and displaced persons of all peoples that left Sarajevo and the full protection of their human and other rights. It also means that all these peoples will have the opportunity to participate fully in the governance of the city. The Joint Civilian Commission Sarajevo will continue to function, as stipulated in the Rome Statement, as a consultative and coordinating body for this purpose.

Page 3, Human rights issues, 13.
We acknowledge the full realization of human rights throughout the Federation as a precondition for durable political and social stabilization and a return of refugees to their homes.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: Page 2-3, Federation implementation, 10.
We stress the importance of an agreed solution for the future organizational structure of Sarajevo which takes account not only of the interests of all of the peoples concerned, but also of the role of Sarajevo as the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): Governance→Political institutions (new or reformed)→General references
Page 1, 4.
We reiterate our strong commitment to the speedy implementation and full functioning of the Federation and all its institutions. We reaffirm our commitment to the Dayton Agreement on Implementing the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina of 10 November 1995 and to the obligations of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina of 14 December 1995. We confirm our support for the Rome Statement of 18 February 1996, the Geneva Statement of 18 March 1996 and the Sarajevo Agreement on the Federation of 30 March 1996. We commit ourselves to the full and rapid implementation of those provisions of the Sarajevo Agreement that have not yet been fulfilled.

Page 2, Federation implementation, 8.
While welcoming recent progress in the constitution of the Cantons of the Federation, we stress the necessity to establish in full the legislative and executive structures of all Cantons and Municipalities throughout the Federation, by the time of the Federation Forum in Washington on 14 May 1996, and with reference to the provisions in Article 5 above.
Elections: Page 2, 6.
Acknowledging the key role the city of Mostar plays for the Federation, we reiterate our support for the European Union Administrator of Mostar and the early holding of elections in the city in May.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: No specific mention.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: Power sharing→Territorial power sharing→Federal or similar sub-divided government
Page 1, 4.
We reiterate our strong commitment to the speedy implementation and full functioning of the Federation and all its institutions. We reaffirm our commitment to the Dayton Agreement on Implementing the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina of 10 November 1995 and to the obligations of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina of 14 December 1995. We confirm our support for the Rome Statement of 18 February 1996, the Geneva Statement of 18 March 1996 and the Sarajevo Agreement on the Federation of 30 March 1996. We commit ourselves to the full and rapid implementation of those provisions of the Sarajevo Agreement that have not yet been fulfilled.

Page 2, 5.
We take note with appreciation of the reports of the Federation Mediator and the Federation Arbitrator on their work concerning the resolution of disputes within the Federation. We continue to support the Federation Mediator and the Federation Arbitrator in their efforts to review contentious issues regarding the implementation of the Federation and call upon all those concerned to respect fully and implement the letter and spirit of their decisions.

Page 2-3, Federation implementation, 10.
We stress the importance of an agreed solution for the future organizational structure of Sarajevo which takes account not only of the interests of all of the peoples concerned, but also of the role of Sarajevo as the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Page 4, Police issues, 19.
We support the Agreement on restructuring the police of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina concluded in Bonn-Petersberg today; we also welcome that the inaugural session of the Police Commission responsible for the implementation of the Agreement took place here today.

Page 4, Police issues, 20.
We reaffirm that a united policing structure designed to contribute to support the functioning of democratic institutions is one of the essentials to the success of the Federation. It will support the democratic system and protect internationally accepted human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Page 4, Police issues, 21.
We welcome the presentation of the newly designed grey Federation police uniforms today in Bonn-Petersberg that will be used by all uniformed police operating throughout the Federation, as has been decided by the Federation Government. This uniform is an important symbol of our commitment to the restructuring of policing in the Federation.

Page 4-5, Economic issues, 23.
The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Government of the Federation, according to their respective responsibilities, have to adopt all decisions about spending and distribution of international support to the State, especially in so far as bilateral assistance is concerned.

Page 5, Economic issues, 24.
We acknowledge that the international community will only be in a position to translate the pledges of assistance which were made at the Brussels Donor Conference and were pledged to the Federation into concrete projects and financial flows, when the administrative, economic and executive structures of the receiving side are properly established on the levels of the Federation Government, the Cantons and Municipalities.

Page 5, Economic issues, 26.
We note that the World Bank supports the building up of key economic institutions of the Federation, as agreed in paragraph 7 of the Sarajevo Agreement on the Federation, i.e.:
- the Federation customs administration is fully operational (all Federation revenue accounts are open, and uninterrupted transfer of customs revenue into these accounts takes place and proper monitoring and control of all international border crossing is assured, in accordance with the Sarajevo Agreement);
- the Federation Payments Bureau is fully integrated and operates as a unique system;
- the Federation Assembly adopts a Federation Law on the Federation Banking Agency and its Director and Deputy Director are appointed.
We agree that these steps are essential for commercial development and economic reconstruction. We furthermore agree that the Federal Law on Tax Administration will be enacted.

Page 5, Economic issues, 27.
We note the intention of the Federation Government to present a Law on the Federation Privatization Agency to the Federation Assembly.
Power sharing→Territorial power sharing→Local/municipal government
Page 2, 6.
Acknowledging the key role the city of Mostar plays for the Federation, we reiterate our support for the European Union Administrator of Mostar and the early holding of elections in the city in May.

Page 2, Federation implementation, 8.
While welcoming recent progress in the constitution of the Cantons of the Federation, we stress the necessity to establish in full the legislative and executive structures of all Cantons and Municipalities throughout the Federation, by the time of the Federation Forum in Washington on 14 May 1996, and with reference to the provisions in Article 5 above.

Page 3, Federation implementation, 11.
We endorse the agreement in principle concerning the future organization of Sarajevo which stipulates that Sarajevo shall, in the future, be organized in three layers: an overarching Canton with its suburban Municipalities, a City consisting of the urban core Municipalities, and a Capital District under the authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina around those buildings that are essential for the functioning of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole.

Page 3, Federation implementation, 12.
We call upon the Federation partners and all political parties concerned to come to a rapid consensus concerning the legal and practical implementation of this solution for Sarajevo.

Page 3, Human rights, 14.
To enhance efforts in the field of human rights, the Federation President and Vice President, respectively, shall each have the authority to appoint an official of high moral standing in each Cantonal Administration to serve as Human Rights Officer for this Canton.

Page 3, Human rights, 15.
These Human Rights Officers will report through the Federation Liaison Officers on the human rights situation in their respective Cantons, with a special emphasis on the fields of freedom of movement, freedom of religion, freedom of media and of political expression and freedom of association. These Human Rights Officers shall have no executive functions in exercising their mandate.

Page 5, Economic issues, 24.
We acknowledge that the international community will only be in a position to translate the pledges of assistance which were made at the Brussels Donor Conference and were pledged to the Federation into concrete projects and financial flows, when the administrative, economic and executive structures of the receiving side are properly established on the levels of the Federation Government, the Cantons and Municipalities.
Economic power sharing: Power sharing→Economic power sharing→Sharing of resources
Page 4-5, Economic:

23. The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Government of the
Federation, according to their respective responsibilities, have to adopt all
decisions about spending and distribution of international support to the State, especially in so far as bilateral assistance is concerned.

Page 5, Economic issues, 26.
We note that the World Bank supports the building up of key economic institutions of the Federation, as agreed in paragraph 7 of the Sarajevo Agreement on the Federation, i.e.:
- the Federation customs administration is fully operational (all Federation revenue accounts are open, and uninterrupted transfer of customs revenue into these accounts takes place and proper monitoring and control of all international border crossing is assured, in accordance with the Sarajevo Agreement);
- the Federation Payments Bureau is fully integrated and operates as a unique system;
- the Federation Assembly adopts a Federation Law on the Federation Banking Agency and its Director and Deputy Director are appointed.
We agree that these steps are essential for commercial development and economic reconstruction. We furthermore agree that the Federal Law on Tax Administration will be enacted.

Page 5, Economic issues, 27.
We note the intention of the Federation Government to present a Law on the Federation Privatization Agency to the Federation Assembly.
Military power sharing: Power sharing→Military power sharing→Proportionality
Page 4, Policing Issues
l9. We support the Agreement on restructuring the police of the Federation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina concluded in Bonn-Petersberg today; we also welcome that the inaugural session of the
Police Commission responsible for the implementation of the Agreement took place here today.

20. We reaffirm that a united policing structure designed to contribute to support the functioning of democratic institutions is one of the essentials to the success of the Federation. It will support the democratic system and protect internationally accepted human rights and fundamental freedoms.

21. We welcome the presentation of the newly designed grey Federation
police uniforms today in Bonn-Petersberg that will be used by all uniformed police operating throughout the Federation, as has been decided by the Federation Government. This uniform is an important symbol of our commitment to the restructuring of policing in the Federation

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: Page 2, 7.
We reiterate our commitment with regard to the provisions of the Peace Agreement that all refugees and displaced persons have the right to return to their homes in the whole territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina with full protection of their human and other rights.

Page 2, Federation implementation, 9.
We reaffirm the commitment under the Rome Statement on Sarajevo of 18 February 1996 that there will be equal treatment and non-discrimination for Bosniacs, Croats, Serbs and Others in Sarajevo. This includes, in line with paragraph 7 above, the right of return for refugees and displaced persons of all peoples that left Sarajevo and the full protection of their human and other rights. It also means that all these peoples will have the opportunity to participate fully in the governance of the city. The Joint Civilian Commission Sarajevo will continue to function, as stipulated in the Rome Statement, as a consultative and coordinating body for this purpose.

Page 3, Human rights issues, 13.
We acknowledge the full realization of human rights throughout the Federation as a precondition for durable political and social stabilization and a return of refugees to their homes.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: Page 4, Police issues, 20.
We reaffirm that a united policing structure designed to contribute to support the functioning of democratic institutions is one of the essentials to the success of the Federation. It will support the democratic system and protect internationally accepted human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Civil and political rights: Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Equality
Page 2, Federation implementation, 9.
We reaffirm the commitment under the Rome Statement on Sarajevo of 18 February 1996 that there will be equal treatment and non-discrimination for Bosniacs, Croats, Serbs and Others in Sarajevo. This includes, in line with paragraph 7 above, the right of return for refugees and displaced persons of all peoples that left Sarajevo and the full protection of their human and other rights. It also means that all these peoples will have the opportunity to participate fully in the governance of the city. The Joint Civilian Commission Sarajevo will continue to function, as stipulated in the Rome Statement, as a consultative and coordinating body for this purpose.
Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Freedom of movement
Page 3, Human rights, 15.
These Human Rights Officers will report through the Federation Liaison Officers on the human rights situation in their respective Cantons, with a special emphasis on the fields of freedom of movement, freedom of religion, freedom of media and of political expression and freedom of association. These Human Rights Officers shall have no executive functions in exercising their mandate.
Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Thought, opinion, conscience and religion
Page 3, Human rights, 15.
These Human Rights Officers will report through the Federation Liaison Officers on the human rights situation in their respective Cantons, with a special emphasis on the fields of freedom of movement, freedom of religion, freedom of media and of political expression and freedom of association. These Human Rights Officers shall have no executive functions in exercising their mandate.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: Rights related issues→Citizenship→Citizen, general
Page 4, Media issues, 18.
After consideration of the implementation of previous agreements on the Federation, we stress the importance of realizing the provisions on media contained in the Petersberg Agreement of 10 March 1995. With this in mind, the President and the Vice President of the Federation will submit this issue to the Federation Assembly, with a view to ensuring free access of all citizens and peoples to the public media.
Democracy: Page 4, Police issues, 20.
We reaffirm that a united policing structure designed to contribute to support the functioning of democratic institutions is one of the essentials to the success of the Federation. It will support the democratic system and protect internationally accepted human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media roles
Page 4, Media issues, 18.
After consideration of the implementation of previous agreements on the Federation, we stress the importance of realizing the provisions on media contained in the Petersberg Agreement of 10 March 1995. With this in mind, the President and the Vice President of the Federation will submit this issue to the Federation Assembly, with a view to ensuring free access of all citizens and peoples to the public media.
Rights related issues→Media and communication→Other
Page 3, Human rights, 15.
These Human Rights Officers will report through the Federation Liaison Officers on the human rights situation in their respective Cantons, with a special emphasis on the fields of freedom of movement, freedom of religion, freedom of media and of political expression and freedom of association. These Human Rights Officers shall have no executive functions in exercising their mandate.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: Rights related issues→Protection measures→Protection of groups
Page 2
7. We reiterate our commitment with regard to the provisions of the Peace Agreement that all refugees and displaced persons have the right to return to their homes in the whole territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina with full protection of their human and other rights.

9. We reaffirm the commitment under the Rome Statement on Sarajevo of 18
February 1996 that there will be equal treatment and non-discrimination for
Bosniacs, Croats, Serbs and Others in Sarajevo. This includes, in line with
paragraph 7 above, the right of return for refugees and displaced persons of all
peoples that left Sarajevo and the full protection of their human and other
rights
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: Rights institutions→NHRI→New or fundamentally revised NHRI
Page 3, Human rights, 14.
To enhance efforts in the field of human rights, the Federation President and Vice President, respectively, shall each have the authority to appoint an official of high moral standing in each Cantonal Administration to serve as Human Rights Officer for this Canton.

Page 3, Human rights, 15.
These Human Rights Officers will report through the Federation Liaison Officers on the human rights situation in their respective Cantons, with a special emphasis on the fields of freedom of movement, freedom of religion, freedom of media and of political expression and freedom of association. These Human Rights Officers shall have no executive functions in exercising their mandate.

Page 3, Human rights, 16.
Amalgamated reports will be forwarded by the Federation Liaison Officers and be promptly forwarded to the Federation President, the Federation Vice President, the Federation Ombudsmen and the Office of the High Representative for consideration and action as appropriate.

Page 3, Human rights, 17.
The Office of the High Representative will provide appropriate assistance to facilitate their work.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Socio-economic development
Page 4, Economic issues, 22.
Economic reconstruction is of key importance for reconciliation, reintegration and for a durable peace. The international community, at its Donors Conference in Brussels on 12/13 April 1996, pledged to provide an additional $1.23 billion in new commitments to meet the external financing needs for economic reconstruction and recovery. A large share of these funds is earmarked for the Federation.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: Page 4, Economic issues, 22.
Economic reconstruction is of key importance for reconciliation, reintegration and for a durable peace. The international community, at its Donors Conference in Brussels on 12/13 April 1996, pledged to provide an additional $1.23 billion in new commitments to meet the external financing needs for economic reconstruction and recovery. A large share of these funds is earmarked for the Federation.

Page 4-5, Economic issues, 23.
The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Government of the Federation, according to their respective responsibilities, have to adopt all decisions about spending and distribution of international support to the State, especially in so far as bilateral assistance is concerned.

Page 5, Economic issues, 24.
We acknowledge that the international community will only be in a position to translate the pledges of assistance which were made at the Brussels Donor Conference and were pledged to the Federation into concrete projects and financial flows, when the administrative, economic and executive structures of the receiving side are properly established on the levels of the Federation Government, the Cantons and Municipalities.

Page 5, Economic issues, 25.
We welcome the proposal of the World Bank for a Structural Adjustment Credit of at least $ 110 million (IDA credit plus donor co-financing) to Bosnia and Herzegovina, proposed to be considered by its Board of Directors by the end of June 1996.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: Socio-economic reconstruction→Taxation→Reform of taxation
Page 5, Economic issues, 26.
We note that the World Bank supports the building up of key economic institutions of the Federation, as agreed in paragraph 7 of the Sarajevo Agreement on the Federation, i.e.:
- the Federation customs administration is fully operational (all Federation revenue accounts are open, and uninterrupted transfer of customs revenue into these accounts takes place and proper monitoring and control of all international border crossing is assured, in accordance with the Sarajevo Agreement);... We furthermore agree that the Federal Law on Tax Administration will be enacted.
Banks: Socio-economic reconstruction→Banks→Personal or commercial banking
Page 5, Economic issues, 26.
We note that the World Bank supports the building up of key economic institutions of the Federation, as agreed in paragraph 7 of the Sarajevo Agreement on the Federation, i.e.:
...- the Federation Assembly adopts a Federation Law on the Federation Banking Agency and its Director and Deputy Director are appointed.
Socio-economic reconstruction→Banks→International finance
Page 5, Economic issues, 25.
We welcome the proposal of the World Bank for a Structural Adjustment Credit of at least $ 110 million (IDA credit plus donor co-financing) to Bosnia and Herzegovina, proposed to be considered by its Board of Directors by the end of June 1996.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: No specific mention.
Ceasefire: No specific mention.
Police: Page 4, Police issues, 19.
We support the Agreement on restructuring the police of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina concluded in Bonn-Petersberg today; we also welcome that the inaugural session of the Police Commission responsible for the implementation of the Agreement took place here today.

Page 4, Police issues, 20.
We reaffirm that a united policing structure designed to contribute to support the functioning of democratic institutions is one of the essentials to the success of the Federation. It will support the democratic system and protect internationally accepted human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Page 4, Police issues, 21.
We welcome the presentation of the newly designed grey Federation police uniforms today in Bonn-Petersberg that will be used by all uniformed police operating throughout the Federation, as has been decided by the Federation Government. This uniform is an important symbol of our commitment to the restructuring of policing in the Federation.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: As witnesses: Mate GRANIC, Foreign Minister, Republic of Croatia; Peter TARNOFF, Under Secretary of State, United States of America; Wolfgang ISCHINGER, Political Director, Federal Republic of Germany; Ambassador Michael, STEINER Principal Deputy High Representative
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: Page 5, Economic issues, 28.
We reconfirm our commitment and obligations with respect to consequences of
non-implementation as stipulated in paragraphs 9 to 13 of the Sarajevo Agreement.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: Snezana Trifunovska (ed.) Former Yugoslavia Through Documents: From its dissolution to the peace settlement (The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff 1999) pp. 564-568

PETERSBERG DECLARATION On the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bonn,

25 April 1996

1. Upon the invitation and under the chairmanship of German Foreign Minister Dr. Klaus Kinkel, High Officials from the Federation and the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina, High Officials from the Governments of Germany, the United States of America and Croatia, from the Office of the High Representative, from the United Nations and from the World Bank, met in Bonn-Petersberg on 25 April 1996.

2. The meeting was, among others, attended by Federation President Kresimir Zubak, Federation Vice President Prof. Ejup Ganic, Federation Prime Minister Dr. Izudin Kapetanovic and his Deputy, Finance Minister Drago Bilandzija, Federation Minister of the Interior Avdo Hebib and his Deputy Jozo Leutar, the Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dr. Hasan Muratovic, the Foreign Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dr. Jadranko Prlic and of the Republic of Croatia Dr. Mate Granic, the U.S Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Peter Tarnoff, the Political Director of the German Foreign Office Wolfgang Ischinger, Principal Deputy High Representative Ambassador Michael Steiner, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Iqbal Riza, Federation Mediator Dr. Christian Schwartz-Schilling and Federation Arbitrator Roberts Owen.

3. The participants thank Foreign Minister Dr. Klaus Kinkel for his invitation and the German Foreign Office and the Office of the High Representative for the preparation and organization of the meeting.

The participants came to the following conclusions:

4. We reiterate our strong commitment to the speedy implementation and full functioning of the Federation and all its institutions.

We reaffirm our commitment to the Dayton Agreement on Implementing the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina of 10 November 1995 and to the obligations of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina of 14 December 1995.

We confirm our support for the Rome Statement of 18 February 1996, the Geneva Statement of 18 March 1996 and the Sarajevo Agreement on the Federation of 30 March 1996.

We commit ourselves to the full and rapid implementation of those provisions of the Sarajevo Agreement that have not yet been fulfilled.

5. We take note with appreciation of the reports of the Federation Mediator and the Federation Arbitrator on their work concerning the resolution of disputes within the Federation.

We continue to support the Federation Mediator and the Federation Arbitrator in their efforts to review contentious issues regarding the implementation of the Federation and call upon all those concerned to respect fully and implement the letter and spirit of their decisions.

6. Acknowledging the key role the city of Mostar plays for the Federation, we reiterate our support for the European Union Administrator of Mostar and the early holding of elections in the city in May.

7. We reiterate our commitment with regard to the provisions of the Peace Agreement that all refugees and displaced persons have the right to return to their homes in the whole territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina with full protection of their human and other rights.

Federation implementation:

8. While welcoming recent progress in the constitution of the Cantons of the Federation, we stress the necessity to establish in full the legislative and executive structures of all Cantons and Municipalities throughout the Federation, by the time of the Federation Forum in Washington on 14 May 1996, and with reference to the provisions in Article 5 above.

9. We reaffirm the commitment under the Rome Statement on Sarajevo of 18 February 1996 that there will be equal treatment and non-discrimination for Bosniacs, Croats, Serbs and Others in Sarajevo.

This includes, in line with paragraph 7 above, the right of return for refugees and displaced persons of all peoples that left Sarajevo and the full protection of their human and other rights.

It also means that all these peoples will have the opportunity to participate fully in the governance of the city.

The Joint Civilian Commission Sarajevo will continue to function, as stipulated in the Rome Statement, as a consultative and coordinating body for this purpose.

10. We stress the importance of an agreed solution for the future organizational structure of Sarajevo which takes account not only of the interests of all of the peoples concerned, but also of the role of Sarajevo as the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

11. We endorse the agreement in principle concerning the future organization of Sarajevo which stipulates that Sarajevo shall, in the future, be organized in three layers:

an overarching Canton with its suburban Municipalities, a City consisting of the urban core Municipalities, and a Capital District under the authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina around those buildings that are essential for the functioning of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole.

12. We call upon the Federation partners and all political parties concerned to come to a rapid consensus concerning the legal and practical implementation of this solution for Sarajevo.

Human rights issues:

13. We acknowledge the full realization of human rights throughout the Federation as a precondition for durable political and social stabilization and a return of refugees to their homes.

14. To enhance efforts in the field of human rights, the Federation President and Vice President, respectively, shall each have the authority to appoint an official of high moral standing in each Cantonal Administration to serve as Human Rights Officer for this Canton.

15. These Human Rights Officers will report through the Federation Liaison Officers on the human rights situation in their respective Cantons, with a special emphasis on the fields of freedom of movement, freedom of religion, freedom of media and of political expression and freedom of association.

These Human Rights Officers shall have no executive functions in exercising their mandate.

16. Amalgamated reports will be forwarded by the Federation Liaison Officers and be promptly forwarded to the Federation President, the Federation Vice President, the Federation Ombudsmen and the Office of the High Representative for consideration and action as appropriate.

17. The Office of the High Representative will provide appropriate assistance to facilitate their work.

Media issues:

18. After consideration of the implementation of previous agreements on the Federation, we stress the importance of realizing the provisions on media contained in the Petersberg Agreement of 10 March 1995.

With this in mind, the President and the Vice President of the Federation will submit this issue to the Federation Assembly, with a view to ensuring free access of all citizens and peoples to the public media.

Police issues:

19. We support the Agreement on restructuring the police of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina concluded in Bonn-Petersberg today;

we also welcome that the inaugural session of the Police Commission responsible for the implementation of the Agreement took place here today.

20. We reaffirm that a united policing structure designed to contribute to support the functioning of democratic institutions is one of the essentials to the success of the Federation.

It will support the democratic system and protect internationally accepted human rights and fundamental freedoms.

21. We welcome the presentation of the newly designed grey Federation police uniforms today in Bonn-Petersberg that will be used by all uniformed police operating throughout the Federation, as has been decided by the Federation Government.

This uniform is an important symbol of our commitment to the restructuring of policing in the Federation.

Economic issues:

22. Economic reconstruction is of key importance for reconciliation, reintegration and for a durable peace.

The international community, at its Donors Conference in Brussels on 12/13 April 1996, pledged to provide an additional $ 1.23 billion in new commitments to meet the external financing needs for economic reconstruction and recovery.

A large share of these funds is earmarked for the Federation.

23. The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Government of the Federation, according to their respective responsibilities, have to adopt all decisions about spending and distribution of international support to the State, especially in so far as bilateral assistance is concerned.

24. We acknowledge that the international community will only be in a position to translate the pledges of assistance which were made at the Brussels Donor Conference and were pledged to the Federation into concrete projects and financial flows, when the administrative, economic and executive structures of the receiving side are properly established on the levels of the Federation Government, the Cantons and Municipalities.

25. We welcome the proposal of the World Bank for a Structural Adjustment Credit of at least $ 110 million (IDA credit plus donor co-financing) to Bosnia and Herzegovina, proposed to be considered by its Board of Directors by the end of June 1996.

26. We note that the World Bank supports the building up of key economic institutions of the Federation, as agreed in paragraph 7 of the Sarajevo Agreement on the Federation, i.e.:

- the Federation customs administration is fully operational (all Federation revenue accounts are open, and uninterrupted transfer of customs revenue into these accounts takes place and proper monitoring and control of all international border crossing is assured, in accordance with the Sarajevo Agreement);

- the Federation Payments Bureau is fully integrated and operates as a unique system;

- the Federation Assembly adopts a Federation Law on the Federation Banking Agency and its Director and Deputy Director are appointed.

We agree that these steps are essential for commercial development and economic reconstruction.

We furthermore agree that the Federal Law on Tax Administration will be enacted.

27. We note the intention of the Federation Government to present a Law on the Federation Privatization Agency to the Federation Assembly.

28. We reconfirm our commitment and obligations with respect to consequences of non-implementation as stipulated in paragraphs 9 to 13 of the Sarajevo Agreement.

Signed at Bonn-Petersberg on 25 April 1996

[Signed] Kresimir ZUBAK President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

[Signed] Izudin KAPETANOVIC Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

[Signed] Hasan MURATOVIC Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina

[Signed] Ejub GANIC Vice President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

[Signed] Drago BILANDZIJA Federation Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

[Signed] Jadranko PRLIC Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina

As witnesses:

[Signed] Mate GRANIC Foreign Minister, Republic of Croatia

[Signed] Peter TARNOFF Under Secretary of State, United States of America

[Signed] Wolfgang ISCHINGER Political Director, Federal Republic of Germany

[Signed] Ambassador Michael STEINER Principal Deputy High Representative