1st LD: Inzko: challenges to Dayton Agreement remain

Valentin Inzko, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), said here on Wednesday that significant challenges remain in observing the Dayton Agreement, a peace deal ending the three and half year-long Bosnian War.

Speaking at a press conference following the latest session of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board (PIC SB), the veteran diplomat said significant challenges remain to the functionality and stability of the country, including challenges to the Dayton Agreement.

He called on all the BiH's leaders to contribute to political stability, by avoiding challenges to Dayton Agreement and by resolving disputes through dialogue.

"All political, social and religious leaders in BiH need to advance mutual understanding and tolerance," said Inzko.

"They should refrain from negative and divisive policies, actions and rhetoric, as well as historical revisionism and the provocative use of symbols, which can have a radicalising effect on individuals and communities," he added.

Dayton Agreement is the peace agreement reached at Wright-Patterson air force Base near Dayton, the United States in November 1995.

The agreement's main purpose is to promote peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

But Inzko admitted that BiH had made some extremely positive steps on its EU integration path.

And he said there are two political realities in BiH, one positive and the other negative. Enditem