Zvizdić: PIC recognized the anti-Dayton character of the referendum, but it is insufficient

-The position of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council, i.e., the clear recognition of the essence and causes of the problem, as well as the precise definition of the anti-Dayton and anti-constitutional character of the announced referendum in the smaller BiH entity of Republika Srpska, represents a positive, but still insufficient step towards protecting the constitutional and legal order of BiH and respecting the decision of the BiH Constitutional Court, stated the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH Denis Zvizdić, reports the Patria News Agency.

Instead of turning towards the European and NATO future of BiH, economic development, and improving standards for all citizens of BiH, individuals and political forces in the BiH entity of RS are focusing the pre-election campaign on the referendum and spreading fear of a non-existent danger from "the other and different", thereby obscuring the unfavorable economic situation and avoiding the expected obligation to present citizens of the RS entity with visions, plans, and projects that will lead to a better socio-economic situation and new employment.

Unfortunately, we are witnessing that the referendum has completely suspended key issues important for local communities, thus becoming more important than life issues such as the construction of infrastructure, roads, water supply, schools, health, sports, and cultural facilities. In addition, the announced referendum represents a flagrant violation of the BiH Constitution and the fundamental provisions of the General Framework Agreement for Peace, which has led to increased tensions and jeopardized the hard-won peace and stability in BiH.

Therefore, peace and stability are extremely important factors for the further progress and development of BiH and are priceless. Above all, the statehood, integrity, and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina stand as the top priority. This is precisely the essence of the PIC's position.

Therefore, it is important that reason and logic replace heated passions, that sharp and unnecessary nationalist rhetoric gives way to civilized political dialogue, and that economic issues finally begin to dominate over calls for hegemonization based on irrational fears. Because anyone who thinks they can scare Bosniaks or that anyone in BiH should be afraid of anyone is greatly mistaken and clearly has learned nothing from the recent past.

Therefore, I call for respect for the decision of the BiH Constitutional Court, for the acceptance of the PIC's position on the necessity of not holding the referendum which, as stated in the joint statement, is destabilizing for BiH, as well as for the final reaction of the OHR, which has a Dayton obligation to actively work on protecting the Constitution and preserving peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to the press release signed by Zvizdić.