Inzko: It is no longer about RS holidays but about challenging state judiciary

Decisions made by the Constitutional Court of BiH must be respected. The Court's jurisdiction is clearly defined in Annex 4 of the Dayton Peace Agreement, according to which the resolution of disputes between different levels of government falls within the jurisdiction of this court. To this end, the Court today made difficult decisions not to accept the request of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska (NSRS) for a review of the Court's previous decision on the Law on Holidays and to suspend the application of the decision on the referendum adopted by the NSRS, until it makes a decision on its constitutionality. Today's decisions once again show how important the role of this court is for respecting the Constitution, reports Patria News Agency.

In this context, the High Representative calls on the authorities in RS to refrain from holding a referendum that has no legal basis and which would directly violate the Court's decision. This is no longer about Republika Srpska holidays but about directly challenging the state judiciary. As the final authority for the implementation of the civilian aspects of the Peace Agreement, the High Representative reiterates that the Constitutional Court is the foundation of Annex 4 of the Peace Agreement, and of key importance for its implementation. Challenging its jurisdiction by holding a referendum would constitute a direct and serious violation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace, which would have an impact on the country's stability.

The High Representative calls on all parties to respect the decisions made today by the Constitutional Court of BiH, to refrain from further escalation, and to focus on issues of essential importance for the country and its citizens.