OSCE: We are concerned about incidents, politicians to calm tensions

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina is seriously concerned about recent incidents that occurred in Bijeljina-Janja, Prijedor, Brčko, Gacko, East Sarajevo, Ilidža, Foča, Doboj and Bužim. The Mission considers that the use of inflammatory and divisive rhetoric by certain officials in BiH, including in the Republika Srpska in recent days, contributes to the emergence of such incidents. The Mission warns against all activities that carry the potential to cause conflict and lead to destabilisation of peace and security in BiH.

"Respect for others, regardless of their religious, cultural or ethnic affiliation or orientation, must be protected by all, in the interest of all. Elected and appointed officials have a special responsibility to protect the interests of all citizens, regardless of their background, to reject divisive rhetoric, and to set an example of responsible behaviour, to calm tensions and promote constructive dialogue. The Mission hereby wishes to commend the initial investigative steps taken by certain law enforcement structures in Bijeljina, Prijedor and Brčko. We call on authorities in other locations where incidents have occurred to take the same steps without delay.

We welcome the condemnations of these incidents by several high-level political and religious officials, as well as representatives of civil society across the country, and the many public expressions of support for those who were targeted by these incidents. In this way, a clear signal of zero tolerance is sent and trust in institutions and the rule of law is helped to be restored.

The OSCE Mission to BiH will continue to systematically monitor the response of institutions to these incidents, talk to affected communities to better understand and help address their concerns, and calls on all levels of government to reject divisive rhetoric and activities that contribute to tensions", the OSCE stated.