Only Pendeš and Jeleč can give consent: Will members of the Armed Forces of BiH participate in the celebration of RS Day

For the first time since the establishment of the Armed Forces of BiH, according to announcements from Banja Luka, members of the Third Infantry Regiment, which preserves the identity and tradition of the RS Army, will participate in the parade marking the unconstitutional RS Day, Patria reports.

For now, there is no official stance from the Ministry of Defense of BiH, nor from Minister Marina Pendeš and Chief of the Joint Staff Ante Jeleč.

The law clearly specifies what falls under the jurisdiction of the three regiments that preserve the tradition and identity of the RS Army, the Army of BiH, and the HVO. The Third Infantry Regiment of the Armed Forces of BiH has only paraded on May 12, when the RS Army Day was celebrated.

However, this time, RS President Milorad Dodik decided that its members should also participate in the parade on January 9.

The Law on the Armed Forces of BiH defines that "the representation of regiments at reviews, ceremonies, and special events is approved through the chain of command in accordance with the Rulebook on Ceremonies."

This rulebook defines which holidays are occasions for organizing ceremonies in which members of the Armed Forces of BiH participate, and that the decision on "other occasions" is made by the Minister of Defense (Marina Pendeš) or an order from the Chief of the Joint Staff (Ante Jeleč).

Also, the Rulebook on Ceremonies specifies that "ceremonies cannot be used for political purposes or for activities of political parties."

The Rulebook on Regiments specifies that the presentation of regiments at parades, ceremonies, and special occasions is approved through the chain of command in accordance with the Rulebook on Ceremonies and Honors.

Therefore, without a decision from Minister Pendeš and an order from General Jeleč, members of the Third Infantry Regiment of the Armed Forces of BiH may not participate in the military parade in Banja Luka on January 9. Additionally, if the minister and the Chief of the Joint Staff give the green light for this parade, it will mean they accept the unconstitutional RS Day as legal.