Islamic Community: New High Representative must be a person who will put the interests of BiH first

(Patria) - The Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina expresses deep concern over public speculation regarding the selection of a new High Representative and the possible limitation of the mandate of the Office of the High Representative (OHR).

– What is particularly concerning is the public impression that domestic political and social actors are not sufficiently involved in this process and that it is being managed by behind-the-scenes lobbying circles. The non-transparent conduct of the process for selecting the High Representative, which leaves the impression that it is the result of unprincipled compromises, undermines the interests of peace, stability, and trust-building – states the announcement from the Riyasat of the Islamic Community.

It was emphasized that the new High Representative must be a person who will put the interests of Bosnia and Herzegovina, its peoples and citizens first.

– In these moments of uncertainty prevailing in Europe following the outbreak of war in Ukraine, it is of crucial importance that the selection of the new High Representative is carried out in the same manner and with equal powers as before. This selection is not exclusively a political issue, but concerns all segments of Bosnian-Herzegovinian society, including religious communities committed to building peace and inter-ethnic trust. Any decision that would call into question the progress made so far in preserving peace and building state institutions represents a danger that everyone is obliged to warn against – the announcement states.

At a time when the secession of the entity Republika Srpska is publicly announced and intentions to redraw borders are no longer hidden, any reduction of the powers of the institution of the High Representative must not be allowed.

Therefore, the Riyasat states in the announcement, the new High Representative must have the same mandate and support from the members of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) and the international community as his predecessors.

It is assessed that any reduction of his mandate, relocation of the seat, or time limitation would encourage secessionists and those who do not hide that their goal is to prove that a sovereign, democratic, and integral Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot function.

– The closure of the Office of the High Representative must follow only as proof of the successful implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, that is, when all fears of the collapse of state institutions, violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state, and a return to violence are removed. This goal is partially defined through the conditions known as "5+2". Those advocating for the closure of the OHR or the limitation of its mandate should have done everything to fulfill these conditions. Premature closure or limitation of the OHR's mandate represents a serious threat to the stability and prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and such a hasty decision would jeopardize both security and economic development – the statement reads.

Everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina would be happiest if domestic political actors could take responsibility for the country's future themselves.

– However, this is not possible as long as policies are active that do not hide their goal of dividing Bosnia and Herzegovina, sowing discord and hatred among its peoples, and creating political entities dominated by only one people. The last obstacle to such intentions is precisely the Office of the High Representative and the Constitutional Court of BiH. Making concessions to such policies has not only failed to contribute to the normalization of the situation but has kept them alive to the extent that, thirty years after the war, we are still facing attempts to achieve war goals, which could not be achieved by force, now through lobbying and selling off natural resources – the Riyasat announcement states.

Finally, the Islamic Community calls on PIC members, international partners, and domestic political actors to show full responsibility in this process.

– Peace, stability, and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina must not be subject to lobbying, trade, or experimentation – the announcement concludes.