Press
Release
(99)29

5 March 1999

Statement by the secretary general of NATO, Dr. Javier Solana, on the High Representative's Decision to Remove Mr. Poplasen from the Office of President of the Republika Srpska

The Secretary General of NATO, Dr. Javier Solana, has expressed his full support for the decision of the High Representative, Mr. Carlos Westendorp, in accordance with the powers vested in him by the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to remove Mr. Nikola Poplasen from the Office of President of Republika Srpska.

As the High Representative has made clear, this decision was taken in the light of Mr. Poplasen's consistent abuse of his authority and his obstruction of the implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which hindered efforts to create lasting peace and security in Republika Srpska and throughout the country.

The Secretary General calls on the leaders and the people of the Republika Srpska to respect fully the High Representative's decision consistent with their obligation under the Dayton Peace Agreement and the decisions of the Peace Implementation Council. SFOR remains vigilant at this time and will take whatever steps are required to ensure calm and stability.


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