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OSCE Troika Ministers issue statements at meeting in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN 7 November 1996
COPENHAGEN, 7 November 1996 - The following statements were issued in Copenhagen today by the OSCE Troika.
The Ministers of the Troika of the OSCE underline that the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina must remain fully operational. The Ministers of the Troika of the OSCE insist on full implementation by all parties of the terms of the Agreement.
The Ministers stress that the holding of internationally supervised municipal elections as soon as feasible in 1997 is of utmost significance for further progress in the peace process. They stress that the proper conduct of these elections is extremely important to ensure a democratic future and a durable peace in the country. In this respect the Troika Ministers call upon all parties involved to cooperate fully in holding the elections as stipulated in the General Framework Agreement for Peace. The ministers emphasize the readiness of the OSCE to accept an extension of the mandate for supervising the preparation and conduct of the municipal elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina in accordance with the Agreement. They urge in particular the Republika Srpska to give its full cooperation in this regard.
The OSCE has been following recent developments in Belarus with concern.
The Ministers of the Troika of the OSCE have taken due note of recent discussions between the President and the Parliament concerning the referendum in Belarus proposed for 24 November 1996. In this respect it remains essential that any such proposal be elaborated in full respect of the constitution of Belarus and in accordance with the key principles of the OSCE. The Constitutional Court's decision of 4 November clearly underscores this and further underlines that the result of a referendum of this nature should be non-binding.
Within its mandate and competences the OSCE has continuously assisted Belarus in various fields and remains committed to doing so. The common goal should be to consolidate a stable democracy in Belarus based on the rule of law and the respect for human rights.
The Ministers of the Troika expect that further steps towards a referendum on 24 November would be accomplished in accordance with the obligations to which OSCE participating States have subscribed.
The Ministers of the Troika of the OSCE underline that the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina must remain fully operational. The Ministers of the Troika of the OSCE insist on full implementation by all parties of the terms of the Agreement.
The Ministers stress that the holding of internationally supervised municipal elections as soon as feasible in 1997 is of utmost significance for further progress in the peace process. They stress that the proper conduct of these elections is extremely important to ensure a democratic future and a durable peace in the country. In this respect the Troika Ministers call upon all parties involved to cooperate fully in holding the elections as stipulated in the General Framework Agreement for Peace. The ministers emphasize the readiness of the OSCE to accept an extension of the mandate for supervising the preparation and conduct of the municipal elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina in accordance with the Agreement. They urge in particular the Republika Srpska to give its full cooperation in this regard.
The OSCE has been following recent developments in Belarus with concern.
The Ministers of the Troika of the OSCE have taken due note of recent discussions between the President and the Parliament concerning the referendum in Belarus proposed for 24 November 1996. In this respect it remains essential that any such proposal be elaborated in full respect of the constitution of Belarus and in accordance with the key principles of the OSCE. The Constitutional Court's decision of 4 November clearly underscores this and further underlines that the result of a referendum of this nature should be non-binding.
Within its mandate and competences the OSCE has continuously assisted Belarus in various fields and remains committed to doing so. The common goal should be to consolidate a stable democracy in Belarus based on the rule of law and the respect for human rights.
The Ministers of the Troika expect that further steps towards a referendum on 24 November would be accomplished in accordance with the obligations to which OSCE participating States have subscribed.