OSCE Chairperson and Secretary General: Attempt to form parallel structures at the entity level undermines stability

(Patria) - The OSCE Chairperson, Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, and OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, sent a joint statement regarding several laws and measures adopted by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska on February 27 and which entered into force on March 6, which jeopardize the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The OSCE once again reaffirms its full support for the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Full respect for the rule of law and responsible leadership are key to creating a peaceful and prosperous future for everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The recent adoption of a series of laws and measures by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska prohibiting the work of judicial and security institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the territory of Republika Srpska and their entry into force represent a violation of the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina and a threat to the stability and unity of the state. The attempt to form parallel structures at the entity level undermines stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.

We call on political leaders in Republika Srpska to respect the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the interest of all citizens, by respecting and preserving the rule of law and their constitutional and legal obligations, in accordance with the obligations of OSCE participating States. The OSCE will continue to closely monitor all developments and call for de-escalation, in close coordination with the Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina,” the statement reads.