Hahn: Reconsider the referendum, BiH Constitutional Court decisions must be respected

European Union Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said that decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina must be respected and that the referendum planned by the authorities of the BiH entity of Republika Srpska for September 25 should be reconsidered, reports Patria News Agency.

The BiH Constitutional Court previously declared January 9, Republic of Srpska Day, unconstitutional.

- It is important that we develop a certain understanding of the rule of law and the tasks that institutions have. Nevertheless, I hope that a way will be found to resolve this problem. I think the referendum should be reconsidered, but, on the other hand, I repeat once again - the Court's decisions must be respected - Hahn said.

RS authorities are not giving up on the referendum despite the stance of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board, which called for it not to be held. Also, Serbia has not supported the holding of the referendum.

The Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bakir Izetbegović, requested the Constitutional Court to issue a temporary measure to prevent the referendum while the constitutional and legal dispute between BiH and RS is ongoing.