Schmidt Awakens: Entities Do Not Possess Statehood

(Patria) - High Representative Christian Schmidt once again reiterated that Republika Srpska is not a state, but one of the two multi-ethnic entities within the sovereign state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. “As such, it does not possess statehood”,
stated the High Representative, commenting on the commemoration of Sretenje as the “Statehood Day of RS”.

Memories of historical events concerning Serbs in the 19th century remain undeniable, but they cannot be misused in the current situation. The unity of all of us lies in European integration.

"The Dayton Peace Agreement is clear: entities legally exist only on the basis of the BiH Constitution and do not have 'sovereignty' or 'statehood'. Republika Srpska, as an integral part of the sovereign state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is subject to the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition, Republika Srpska is not an entity of the Serb people but a
multi-ethnic entity in which the three constituent peoples (and Others) are equal, and the entity authorities do not represent only the Serb people”, emphasized High Representative Schmidt.

The High Representative appealed to all political actors to respect the principles of the Agreement, as they are the legal and constitutional foundation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is established by the Dayton Peace Agreement.

The High Representative also called on political leaders and public officials to promote stability, dialogue, and reconciliation with their statements, not division.

"I am fully committed to further upholding peace, stability, and progress, achieved on the basis of the Dayton Peace Agreement, in the interest of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina”, concluded High Representative Schmidt.

We remind you that a formal academy was held in Banja Luka on Thursday, during which Serbia and Republika Srpska jointly commemorated Sretenje, the Statehood Day of Serbia, for the first time, based on the Declaration adopted at last year's All-Serbian Assembly in Belgrade.

The highest representatives of Serbia and Republika Srpska decided at the All-Serbian Assembly on June 8, 2024, in Belgrade, that they will jointly commemorate Sretenje in the future as the “Statehood Day of Serbia and the Statehood Day of Republika Srpska”.