PIC Focus on RS Secessionism and Threat to Stability and BiH Constitutional Order

(Patria) - Political Directors of the Steering Board (SB) of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) met on December 5 and 6, 2023, in Sarajevo to discuss the state of implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (hereinafter: Peace Agreement). Special attention was paid to the secessionist rhetoric of the ruling coalition in Republika Srpska (RS) and the undermining of the BiH constitutional order, including attempts to mischaracterize the inter-entity boundary line.

During the two-day session, the PIC SB Political Directors also discussed challenges that threaten the democratic system, with a particular focus on corruption, election theft, and human rights violations, and ways to address these challenges. The PIC SB Political Directors were particularly grateful for the presentation by Ivana Korajlić, Executive Director of Transparency International BiH, as well as for the discussions with Jelena Trivić, President of Narodni front, Slaven Raguž, President of Hrvatska republikanska stranka, and Predrag Kojović, representative of Naša stranka.

The PIC SB welcomed the unanimous decision of the UN Security Council on November 2, 2023, to extend the mandate of EUFOR/Althea mission. The EUFOR/Althea mission is vital for supporting local authorities in maintaining a peaceful and secure environment in BiH.

On November 8, the European Commission recommended that the EU Council open accession negotiations with BiH, once the necessary degree of alignment with the EU membership criteria is achieved. The PIC SB calls on BiH authorities to accelerate the EU accession process by adopting and implementing reforms that will strengthen democracy, consolidate the rule of law, combat pervasive corruption, and promote sustainable economic growth.

The PIC SB strongly condemns the flagrant attacks by the RS ruling coalition on the Peace Agreement and the constitutional and legal order of BiH, which pose a direct threat to the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multi-ethnic character, as well as regional stability. In this context, the PIC SB recalls that attacks on the Constitutional Court of BiH jeopardize the Peace Agreement and the constitutional order of BiH. The PIC SB calls on both entity parliaments to appoint judges in a short period so that the Constitutional Court of BiH is again at its full capacity and can function effectively.

Furthermore, attacks on the High Representative and the undermining of his activities significantly affect the implementation of the civilian aspects of the Peace Agreement. The PIC SB calls on RS to immediately abandon its policy of non-recognition and non-cooperation with the High Representative. The PIC SB warns that adherence to the Peace Agreement is an obligation and expects RS authorities to cooperate constructively with the High Representative.

The PIC SB further calls on RS authorities to cease all activities that limit political pluralism, threaten media freedom, restrict freedom of speech, limit civil society, or stigmatize minorities. Such actions are not appropriate for a democratic society and are contrary to the repeatedly stated commitment of the RS leadership to further work towards progress in European integration. The PIC SB calls on the National Assembly of RS not to adopt the Draft Law on a Special Register and Transparency of Non-Profit Organization Activities, and to repeal its decision criminalizing defamation.

The PIC SB welcomes the efforts of the FBiH authorities in re-establishing the functionality of this entity. The adoption of three key laws in the field of energy and the Law on Protection of Civilian Victims of War in the Federation Parliament represents a positive start. The PIC SB calls on FBiH authorities to continue to achieve concrete results for the benefit of citizens in a short period.
Regarding the priorities facing BiH authorities listed in previous PIC SB communiqués, particularly in the one of June 7, 2023:

- The PIC SB expresses regret that the provisions concerning electoral integrity in the BiH Election Law have not yet been amended in accordance with international standards and best practices according to the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR, GRECO, and the Venice Commission.

The PIC SB calls on BiH authorities to complete this task as soon as possible to enable the local elections in October 2024 to be held under conditions of improved transparency and electoral integrity. Free and fair elections are essential for a functional democracy.

- The PIC SB welcomes the completion of the expert process on state property under the auspices of the OHR. The PIC SB encourages domestic main actors to use the conclusions of this process to reach an acceptable and sustainable solution for the issue of state property, which is also one of the goals of the 5+2 Agenda. The PIC SB remains committed to supporting an inclusive political process to achieve this goal.

- The PIC SB strongly urges BiH authorities to adopt a financially adequate state budget for 2024 by the end of the year, to ensure the ability of all state institutions to function properly and fulfill their constitutional and legal obligations, including those arising from Euro-Atlantic integration processes.

The PIC SB calls on BiH authorities to agree on long-term solutions for the legal status and financing of state-level cultural institutions, especially those that preserve the country's historical heritage, and to refrain from politicizing them," it is stated.

The PIC SB will hold its next regular meeting on June 4 and 5, 2024.