High Representative informed the UN: RS referendum is contrary to the Dayton Agreement

High Representative Valentin Inzko submitted a report to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in which he informed the Secretary-General and the Security Council about the recently undertaken activities by the authorities of Republika Srpska regarding the organization of a referendum on state judicial institutions and the powers of the High Representative, in which he explained in more detail why these activities represent a direct violation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the OHR announced, reports the BiH news agency Patria.

- In my capacity as the final authority for the interpretation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace, I have determined that Republika Srpska is quite clearly violating this agreement - said the High Representative, summarizing the conclusions presented in the report.

No one disputes the right of Republika Srpska to organize referendums on issues within the jurisdiction of that entity, the High Representative continued, but the Court of BiH and the Prosecutor's Office of BiH are institutions established to implement the competencies of the state of BiH, while the powers of the High Representative are regulated by international law. Neither of these issues falls within the jurisdiction of the authorities of Republika Srpska.

- At a time when citizens living in Republika Srpska are facing problems related to issues that are directly within the jurisdiction of the authorities of Republika Srpska, issues such as education, healthcare, and employment, the SNSD and its coalition partners in RS have decided to create a crisis with the international community over issues that are not within the jurisdiction of that entity - emphasized High Representative Inzko.

- Instead of directing its efforts towards resolving these specific problems faced by citizens, the leadership of RS has decided to push this entity into an even deeper crisis and isolation. This is not in the interest of the citizens living in Republika Srpska.

- What is now needed to rectify this situation is to immediately set aside the referendum - concluded the High Representative.