IGK: The continuity of Russia's assault on the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina must be stopped

(Patria) - The Russian Embassy in BiH sent a strong statement threatening BiH. In the statement, they called the participation of BiH Presidency members Željko Komšić and Denis Bećirović in the Crimea Platform an unfriendly act to which they have the right to respond, according to a reaction from the Institute for Research of Genocide Canada.

"The continuous statements of the Russian ambassador in BiH represent an open threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH. The Russian ambassador has opted to directly and indirectly threaten the state of BiH. Such statements and such an approach by a head of mission confront the fundamental postulates expressed in the Vienna Convention (1961) on Diplomatic Relations. With his statements, the ambassador has fulfilled all the conditions to be declared persona non grata in BiH.

Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations states that "the receiving State may at any time and without having to explain its decision, notify the sending State that the head of the mission or any member of the diplomatic staff of the mission is persona non grata or that any other member of the staff of the mission is not acceptable".

The Russian ambassador to BiH has previously made threatening statements, and has "disciplined" journalists and the political public. Recently, he called on the leadership and the journalistic community in BiH to "behave sensibly and responsibly, not to succumb to Western provocations, and to refuse to automatically join the anti-Russian campaign".

For the Russian ambassador, there is nothing problematic in the separatist moves of Milorad Dodik. It seems that such moves are planned, approved, and signed by the ambassador and his boss in Moscow. Dodik has full support from Russia in his attempt to realize the independence of the BiH entity of RS. Dodik's regime in the BiH entity of RS is a Moscow regime, but without military power.

Given the above, we call on the Presidency of BiH to declare the Russian ambassador persona non grata due to such threats to a sovereign state, a member of the United Nations. The continuity of Russia's assault on the sovereignty of BiH must be stopped. Russia should know that this sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of BiH were dearly paid for by thousands of victims whose descendants know how to defend the achievements of the glorious Army of the Republic of BiH, which fought for the freedom of its country.

The fundamental principles of international law and order, on which the security, stability, and prosperity of the entire world depend, must be protected. The inviolability of state borders, as well as the political independence of sovereign countries, must be collectively protected. There should be no compromises on these issues. By defending its right to sovereignty, the state of BiH defends peace and stability.

IGK has requested in a special letter from the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and the High Representative in BiH Christian Schmidt to support the exclusion of Russia from the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council in BiH. A state that carries out shameless aggression against another state, that kills children and shamefully destroys civilian facilities, a state that is being tried at the International Court of Justice, a state that threatens other states, especially BiH, which has tragically experienced aggression and genocide, cannot be of benefit for the implementation of peace in BiH", it is stated.