Izetbegović in Zvornik: RS entity police not only fail to protect Bosniaks but also participate in pressure on returnees

(Patria) - The President of the Party of Democratic Action (SDA) Bakir Izetbegović held a working meeting today in Zvornik with the Regional Board of SDA Middle Podrinje. A special focus during the talks was placed on the position of Bosniaks in the Republika Srpska entity and the security situation in the context of frequent systematic attacks on returnees.

- The most severe attacks on Bosniak returnees have been recorded precisely in the area of Middle Podrinje, in Bratunac, Zvornik, Srebrenica, Bijeljina, Osmaci... It was stated that the RS entity police not only fail to fulfill their legal obligations in protecting Bosniaks, but in some cases also participate in attacks and pressure on returnees.

In this context, full support was reiterated for the request of victims' associations addressed to the OHR, by which they ask the High Representative to make decisions that will enable the fulfillment of the constitutional obligation for proportional representation of all peoples in the RS police, as well as in other entity institutions.

Economic and infrastructural support for returnees was also discussed, which was particularly evident during the mandate of the previous Government of the Federation of BiH and Minister Edin Ramić.

It was stated that the SDA will insist on securing a fixed percentage in the federal budget to be directed towards supporting sustainable return.