The word of Chief Republic Prosecutor

     I would like to say that I see the appointment of the Chief Republic Prosecutor of the Republic of Srpska as a great honour and appreciation, particularly due to the fact that, for the first time, the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of the Republic of Srpska has performed the election in the way that guarantees the prosecutors independence in performing their duties. Thus we can say that this is, in a way, a historical day for the Republic of Srspka judiciary, since all the elected representatives in the highest judicial institutions - the Supreme Court and the Republic Prosecutor’s Office, have taken solemn oath before the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of the Republic of Srpska.

     Independence in the work of the prosecutors, and judges too, is of extreme importance for establishing the rule of law and ensuring legality in the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is in the best interest of all those who wish for the Republic of Srpska, and Bosnia and Herzegovina as well, to develop into a modern and prosperous society in which all the citizens shall be equal before the law.

     With establishment of the Republic Prosecutor’s Office in accordance with the new Law on Prosecutor’s Offices of the Republic of Srpska, the reform of the Republic of Srpska judiciary has begun. This is a beginning of restructuring the prosecution system and this process will be finalised with election of the prosecutors to be appointed to District Prosecutor’s Offices. The goal of the reforms is building a more efficient, more professional and modern prosecution system, which will, more successfully than before, fight all the forms of crime, especially those which seriously endanger economic development of the Republic of Srpska, as well as the citizens’ personal security, freedoms and rights. Being fully aware of the importance of these reforms, as well as of the fact that they cannot be implemented easily and without difficulties, I shall put maximum personal effort in their successful implementation.

     I would add that, along with the above stated, laws represent a very important tool for fighting all forms of criminal acts. Our Prosecutor’s Offices and Courts still work on the basis of the Law on Criminal Proceedings enacted in 1977, which is, amongst other things, one of the major causes of so-far quite unsuccessful fight against crime. Therefore, in order to efficiently fight the criminal activities, we would need passing of the new Law on Criminal Proceedings, which would be based on the internationally recognised standards in the sphere of criminal procedural law.

     At the end, I would like to emphasise that I also see this appointment as a serious responsibility and duty to undertake, within the framework of my legally established competences and rights, whatever needed to contribute to the successful implementation of the judiciary reform and ensuring that the prosecutor’s offices perform their duties efficiently and in compliance with the law.