HC Deb 15 July 1999 vol 335 c291W
Mr. Maples

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the postponement of local elections in Bosnia-Herzegovina. [91229]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

Ambassador Robert Barry, Chairman of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation's Provisional Election Commission for Bosnia and Herzegovina (PEC) announced on 24 June that, given the political situation in Bosnia, the PEC had decided to postpone forthcoming municipal elections in Bosnia until 8 April 2000. The PEC made the decision following consultations with representatives of the Bosnian political parties and other elected officials, the Peace Implementation Council established in accordance with the Dayton Peace Agreement and the OSCE.

The PEC has emphasised that the decision will not affect voter registration within Bosnia and Herzegovina or out-of-country which is continuing according to schedule.