PIC Steering Board, with the exception of Russia: Undermining state institutions must stop

SARAJevo, (Patria) - Ambassadors of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board issued a joint statement today, which the Russian Federation did not join.

"In light of recent attempts to undermine its role, the Ambassadors of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board reiterate their firm support for the authority and mandate of the High Representative as the guarantor of the civilian implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. The role of the High Representative is crucial for BiH to meet the 5+2 conditions and subsequently end international supervision, moving closer to the EU.

The primary responsibility for achieving these goals lies with the authorities and institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We call on all levels of government to take responsibility and fulfill the mandate given to them by voters. Greater political will is needed to achieve progress on common goals and bridge divisions. Rhetoric or actions that lead to destabilization and division, including undermining state institutions and reforms that have provided stability, financial well-being, and functionality for everyone in BiH, must stop. This is not in the interest of any citizen or company in BiH and distracts from the much-needed action and reforms on the European path. We underline our unequivocal support for the existence of BiH as a single and sovereign state consisting of two entities and the Brčko District.

We commend the High Representative for his commitment to engaging with all parties. We welcome the High Representative's focus on the issue of state and military property and call on all political actors to fully cooperate with the OHR in finding a functional solution in the interest of BiH and its entities. We confirm the continued importance of EUFOR/Althea in ensuring a safe and secure environment in BiH, which remains a prerequisite for peaceful and stable development for the benefit of all citizens. Therefore, we welcome the UN Security Council's decision to extend the mandate of EUFOR/Althea for an additional 12 months, adopted on November 3.

Together with High Representative Christian Schmidt, we, the members of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board, remain ready to assist and support domestic actors in their efforts to ensure a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future for all citizens of BiH," the statement reads.