Inzko: BiH politicians should focus on providing stability and prosperity to citizens

“For starters, I am encouraged by the fact that peace prevailed and that September 25 passed without incident. However, I am disappointed that the leadership of Republika Srpska, instead of focusing on creating jobs, improving services and fighting corruption, has opted to violate the rule of law and lead Republika Srpska and its citizens further away from reforms, and towards isolation,” stated High Representative Valentin Inzko commenting on the illegal referendum on the Day of Republika Srpska held yesterday, reports the Patria News Agency.

 

This “referendum on the Day of RS” has no legal basis as it directly violates the decision of the Constitutional Court of BiH. Therefore, it represents a challenge to the Constitutional Court of BiH, its decisions, the constitutional framework of the country and the rule of law in BiH.

-The referendum was held in one part of the country, but citizens and their leaders are still faced with the same fundamental question – how to improve the lives of citizens. Last Tuesday, the European Union offered BiH a chance to move forward with its neighbors towards greater stability and prosperity through joint efforts. This must be the focus. Therefore, I call on political actors on all sides to refrain from aggressive rhetoric and rhetoric that leads to further divisions and to dedicate themselves to the accession process.

The RS authorities must implement the decision of the Constitutional Court of BiH from November 2015 as soon as possible by harmonizing the Law on Holidays of RS with the decision of the Constitutional Court.  

The international community retains the instruments to ensure the implementation of the Peace Agreement. In the coming period, High Representative Inzko will consult with the wider international community on the next steps, and will also report on this issue to the United Nations Security Council.