EU awakens, considering sanctions after messages from unconstitutional January 9

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - European Union spokesperson Peter Stano issued a statement on actions that undermine the stability of BiH. 

We are transmitting it in full.

- The EU strongly condemns the negative and inflammatory rhetoric and divisions used by Republika Srpska leaders during the celebration of January 9 this week. 

Such rhetoric and actions have further heightened tensions among communities across the country and further escalate the ongoing political crisis. They threaten the stability and prosperity of the country and are in complete contradiction with its EU perspective, which can only be based on a unified and sovereign Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

The celebrations in RS are also not in line with the BiH Constitution, as ruled by the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The EU has repeatedly called on the RS leadership to distance itself from such actions and rhetoric and to resolve disputes through dialogue and legal means within state institutions. 

The RS leadership should contribute to ending the worrying trend of hatred and intolerance. This must include putting an end to the glorification of war criminals and the denial or glorification of their crimes.

The EU also regrets the support that other partners have given to such demonstrations, which threaten regional stability and affect good neighbourly relations.

The continued blockade of BiH institutions, the complete lack of constructive dialogue, and the use of inflammatory rhetoric in public only lead to instability and delays in achieving reforms that are important for the state and a better life for its citizens.

Therefore, we call on all leaders, including the leadership of Republika Srpska, to end the unacceptable divisive steps and fully return to work within state institutions.

We are committed to facilitating dialogue that would help remove obstacles to real progress on BiH's European path for the benefit of all citizens and the country. If the situation further deteriorates, the EU has a broad toolkit at its disposal, including the existing EU sanctions framework and a review of overall EU assistance - Stano concluded.