VIDEO Schmidt suspends funding for SNSD and United Srpska from all budgets

(Patria) - High Representative Christian Schmidt said in today's address that he has made a decision to suspend all payments from budget funds for the political parties SNSD and United Srpska, led by Milorad Dodik and Nenad Stevandić.

"All budget funds intended for SNSD and US at the state, entity, cantonal, municipal, and Brčko District levels will be suspended and redirected to a special account of the Central Bank. This decision supports the efforts of BiH institutions to counter the current, flagrant attacks by the ruling RS coalition, led by SNSD and US, on the fundamental principles of the Dayton Peace Agreement and the constitutional-legal order of BiH.

The leadership of SNSD and US are at the forefront of these anti-Dayton actions. Their actions are contrary to the Dayton Peace Agreement and the commitment to abide by the Dayton Agreement.

SNSD and US continuously instrumentalize RS institutions to prevent BiH institutions from effectively exercising their competencies and decisions on the territory of the entire country.

The territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state are indisputable. Constitutional rights remain with the entities, but those rights imply respect for Dayton and respect for the rule of law.

The leadership of SNSD and US encourage RS institutions and citizens to commit criminal acts. This is contrary to the interests of RS citizens, and politicians should not force obedience. Citizens are threatened with criminal prosecution. In BiH, we do not need fortresses. And those who think we do are not acting in the interest of the future of this state.

Any non-compliance with this decision I have made is subject to criminal liability and may result in further measures. This decision takes effect immediately. When these parties show full respect for the Dayton Peace Agreement, I will reconsider this decision. Anti-Dayton behavior has its consequences.

The international community remains committed to respecting Dayton," said Schmidt.

He announced a meeting with EUFOR General Barbu for later today.