Letter to participants of Dodik's political rally: You are representatives of the state, not of Republika Srpska

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - EU Ambassador to BiH Johann Sattler, OSCE Head in BiH Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec, and Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Sarajevo Ellen Germain sent a letter on February 26 to officials and civil servants originating from Republika Srpska (RS) who hold positions in state institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and who attended a meeting in Istočno Sarajevo on February 20 organized by Milorad Dodik, president of SNSD. The meeting was also attended by Milan Tegeltija, president of the HJPC, and Branko Petrić from the Central Election Commission (CEC).

The authors of the letter remind civil servants and other officials, especially heads of independent institutions at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina, that during the performance of their professional duties, they must be independent of political interference and refrain from any actions that could call into question their impartiality and consequently undermine the very independence of the institutions they represent, the letter states.

"The European Commission's opinion emphasizes the need for public administration in BiH to become more professional, impartial, and depoliticized. Civil servants and other appointed officials at the BiH level must adhere to the highest professional standards required for the performance of their duties/functions.

You are representatives of the state of BiH, not representatives of RS at the state level. As state officials, you must represent all citizens of BiH, regardless of their or your ethnic and political background, or place of residence. It is crucial to best judge how to maintain actual and perceived independence and impartiality. Therefore, it is unacceptable, both for BiH and its European path, that you participated in a political meeting that seriously compromises your independence and impartiality, as well as the perception thereof.

We believe that in the future, your activities will be in line with your duties as representatives of state institutions, and that you will work proactively towards a better future for the citizens of this country," the letter reads.