Maritime Society in BiH: Pelješac Bridge will be Croatia's maritime property to the detriment of BiH

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Maritime Society in BiH, headed by Izet Bajrambašić, sent an open letter of support to the BiH Presidency, expressing regret that the Republic of Croatia has drastically endangered the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH. They warn that Croatia has usurped BiH territory in a part of the Adriatic Sea by declaring itself the sole successor of the SFRY.

They note that Croatia does not wish to ratify the "Agreement on the State Border between the Republic of Croatia and BiH," which was signed in Sarajevo 20 years ago (July 30, 1999) by presidents Franjo Tuđman and Alija Izetbegović.

They warn that the Pelješac Bridge, currently under construction, would become Croatia's maritime property with full national sovereignty over the sea, seabed, and airspace.

"This would be the final seal for a permanent change of legal facts and acquired rights in this part of the Adriatic Sea, to the detriment of BiH's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international rights."

The Maritime Society states that Croatia is violating the Dayton Peace Agreement, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the Conventions on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone.

"The Maritime Association expresses its full support to the BiH Presidency and asks it to undertake the necessary activities to protect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and realization of BiH's international maritime rights in the part of the Adriatic Sea belonging to BiH."