REGIONAL CONFLICT (BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA)

"We support the High Representative in his work of preparation with the Parties of the establishment of new institutions: the Collective Presidency, the Council of Ministers, the Parliament, the Constitutional Court and the Central Bank. We shall provide the future authorities with the necessary constitutional and legal assistance.”

COMPLIANCE: +1

Canada continues to play an active role in Bosnia. Concerning legal and constitutional assistance, Canadian involvement is evident in a number of fora. Canada has assisted in the development and implementation of the Guiding Principles of the Civilian Consolidation Plan 1997-1998 -- considered to be the first step towards a sound legal and constitutional foundation for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nonetheless, it is important to keep in mind that all members of the G7 stress that primary responsibility for the preservation of peace and stability in Bosnia lies with the Parties of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Accordingly, Canada provides assistance primarily through multilateral efforts and continues to emphasize a focus on peace-building, capacity-building, and work towards stronger democratic institutions (reconstruction). Therefore, it might be worthwhile to consider the compliance of all G7 members in the context of capacity building principally through multilateral fora.

CANADIAN INVOLVEMENT IN BOSNIA

MULTILATERAL:

OSCE
Canada has played a leading role in election planning and observation
- Canada provided 30 experts to the Provisional Election Commission (PEC) for the September 14, 1996 elections
- Canada has taken part in the OSCE's conflict prevention missions and preventive diplomacy (personnel & financial support)
- Axworthy has committed Canada to continue an active role in 1997 municipal elections planning and observation

Office of the High Representative (OHR), Carl Bildt
- Canada fully supports his actions and has provided technical and legal experts to assist the OHR -- effectively assisted by the PIC

Peace Implementation Conference (PIC) Steering Board
- Canada and all other PIC members continue to meet regularly to assist Bosnia's joint presidency in implementing its new institutions -- in monitoring, coordinating and facilitating the implementation of all civilian aspects of the Peace Agreement
* As of April 1997, all of the Constitution's required bodies are operating, with the exception of the Central Bank still in progress

International Police Task Force (IPTF)
- was established by the UN to ensure that Bosnian police forces operate in accordance with internationally recognized legal and human rights standards
- Canada's focus is in helping Bosnian police forces assume greater control over domestic security
- May 1997 - Axworthy, Boudria and Solicitor General, Herb Gray, announce the additional contribution of 15 R.C.M.P. officers to the IPTF

SFOR
- Canada welcomes SFOR's new role in assisting in reconstruction efforts and democratic institutional building, apprehending war criminals, repatriation of refugees, peace-building
* Canada plays a role (direct & indirect) in all the international organizations and international financial institutions that are currently working with the joint presidency in order to successfully implement the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina

BILATERAL:

Canada's assistance program for reconstruction in the Former Yugoslavia focuses on democratic development - institution building -- elections, media, human rights, arms control -- as called for by the Peace Agreement

Canada's Emergency Education Reconstruction Program - was designed to build government implementation capacity at the Entity, canton, and municipal levels

Axworthy has committed Canada to carrying out the Action Plan 1997 -- Arising from the Consolidation Plan

"By the end of 1997, national and entity governments in Bosnia should be functioning and assuming more responsibility; municipal elections should be completed; economic recovery should be taking hold...Both towns and countryside should be safer because land mines are being cleared; because the IPTF and the local police forces are cooperating; because war criminals are being brought to justice; and because gradually, refugees and the displaced are returning home." AXWORTHY - Peace Implementation Council, December 4, 1996.