Schmidt wrote to Cvijanović: Your words represent an implicit threat of confrontation

(Patria) - In a letter that High Representative Christian Schmidt sent to BiH Presidency member Željka Cvijanović today, it was stated that calling the protests of September 1st a "dress rehearsal" represents an implicit threat of confrontation and violence and as such is dangerous in itself.

In the same letter, the High Representative mentioned that it is irresponsible to support political events that cause division at the inter-entity line with one's presence.

The inter-entity line (IEBL) is not a state border but a demarcation line between Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

We are transmitting the High Representative's letter in its entirety:

“On the sidelines of the staged protest at the inter-entity line on September 1, 2023, you made a statement, the content of which I quote: ‘This is just a dress rehearsal for what could follow if they continue to harass us, and they are harassing us when they don't let the Assembly and the president do their job.’

As a member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, you took a solemn oath to respect the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to fully implement the General Framework Agreement for Peace and its annexes, to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to ensure the interests and equality of all peoples and citizens. I remind you of the responsibility that your position carries.

Regarding the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is irresponsible to stage and support with your presence political events that cause division at the inter-entity line (IEBL). The inter-entity line (IEBL) is not a state border but a demarcation line between Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Connecting the term “border” with Republika Srpska as a “state” clearly means that you are publicly creating the false impression that there are borders within Bosnia and Herzegovina, thereby directly violating the General Framework Agreement for Peace.

The consequences of these irresponsible statements by high-ranking BiH officials can already be seen on billboards across Republika Srpska.

Allow me to remind you that the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina stipulates that: ‘there is freedom of movement throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Entities shall not impede the full freedom of movement of persons, goods, services and capital throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. No Entity shall obstruct inter-entity line controls between the Entities.’

Furthermore, the Constitutional Court of BiH has determined that the IEBL cannot be considered a border.

Your calling these staged protests of September 1st a “dress rehearsal” represents an implicit threat of confrontation and violence and, as such, is dangerous in itself. The protests that have been staged in the meantime are already an unacceptable sequence of events following your statement.

Finally, regarding another issue, I must remind you of your obligation to fully implement the General Framework Agreement for Peace and its annexes. This obligation includes full cooperation with the High Representative, respecting his decisions, and providing full support to his operations. The response you received in this regard from the Secretary-General of the United Nations is not only explicit but leaves no room for dilemmas or misinterpretations, and therefore there can be no mistake in respecting me as the appointed High Representative.

As High Representative, I call on you to correct your stance and not to act in a way that would represent or contribute to the violation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which you are obliged to support. This particularly applies to any suggestion of statehood for the entity of Republika Srpska – an entity, like the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, within the sovereign and independent state of Bosnia and Herzegovina and which legally exists only by virtue of the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

I call on you to work and respect the obligations of Bosnia and Herzegovina under international law and the duties of your office,” Schmidt stated in the letter.