Romeo Franz on visit in Sarajevo to advocate for reconciliation

(Patria) - The current attempts of secession in Bosnia and Herzegovina and new dynamics of ethnic segregation are extremely worrying. Mr Dodik’s secessionist efforts in the Republika Srpska are a clear violation of Dayton Peace Accord. Yet, European diplomacy has avoided a strong criticism or sanctions against the leadership of the Bosnian Serbs. MEP Romeo Franz is convinced that the EU and its national governments must avoid by all means necessary that the events of the past repeat and the situation escalates to violent conflict in the region.

Romeo Franz will be on visit in Sarajevo in his function as Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina together with MEP Thomas Waitz, Member of the Delegation and Co-Chair of the Green European Party. They will meet their political counterparts of the national parliament, Members of the Bosnian Presidency and representatives of civil society. While the main focus of the talks will lie on possibilities of the EU to support the reconciliation of the current state crisis, the two Members of The Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament will also discuss political reforms to strengthen the rule of law and to improve environmental and social policy standards in the country.

MEP Romeo Franz and Thomas Waitz declare ahead of their visit:

“Our visit to Sarajevo comes at a time of worrying secessionist tendencies of the Republika Srpska. The stability and peace in the region is at risk. With our visit we want to show solidarity with the actors in Bosnian society that right now defend the vision of an inclusive, democratic and multi-ethnic country. Large parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina wish for stability and a future in the EU. We must defend their democratic claims by all means necessary!”