Schmidt: Sanctions are a logical reaction, other options are also on the table

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - High Representative Christian Schmidt commented after the US government today imposed sanctions on Milorad Dodik, Milan and Tijana Tegeltija, Mirsadu Kukić and ATV from Banja Luka.

- The decision of the United States to designate Milorad Dodik, the Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Alternativna televizija (ATV), under the recently issued Executive Order for the Western Balkans, in light of their destabilizing activities and corruption, is a logical consequence of the destructive and dangerous stance regarding his failure to meet the basic requirements of responsible leadership. Mr. Dodik must answer many uncomfortable questions and should return to reasonable and responsible conduct without violating the state Constitution and the rule of law - Schmidt stated.

As the High Representative emphasizes, these sanctions are a result of Mr. Dodik's destabilizing activities.

- Sanctions are one of the tools that the international community can use to show that blocking the state will not be tolerated. If there are political differences, then the way forward is to resolve them through dialogue within the institutions of BiH instead of a bizarre and contradictory monologue. As agreed with the European Union and the international community, the offer to work constructively with the Parliament and find solutions based on the Constitution and the Dayton Peace Agreement remains on the table. The rule of law must be respected; it is that simple - emphasized the High Representative.

The High Representative also reiterates his commitment to constructive cooperation with everyone in BiH, but clearly points out that other options are on the table. He also welcomed the strong signal against corruption, which must become the new norm in BiH:

- Only with a firm stance against corruption can BiH fulfill its aspirations for EU membership.

The international community is committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Any attempt to undermine the institutions of BiH is unacceptable.

- I call on all politicians to act reasonably in the interest of the citizens of BiH and to start working on the urgent issues facing the citizens they were elected to serve - concluded the High Representative.