go to the original language article
Sarajevo (Fena) – After a two-day meeting of the political directors of the member countries of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) in Sarajevo, High Representative Christian Schmidt, during his address to the press, emphasized the importance of cooperation between the High Representative, the PIC member countries, and the European Union.
– Cooperation is absolutely necessary and mutual support is needed more than ever. I do not want to underestimate the European Council’s decision, namely the invitation for BiH to become a member of the European Union. On this path, we face many challenges, but also approaches that are not constructive in BiH. There is a need for political stability and reassurance from the international community that this stability is maintained. I thank the international community for providing me with unanimous support and my mandate continues to be implemented as it is – Schmidt said.
Schmidt once again emphasized that he will not tolerate a policy that goes against Dayton, rejecting the policy of the Republika Srpska, which does not recognize the High Representative.
– RS authorities must respect the Dayton Agreement and actively cooperate with the High Representative. This is an obligation that exists based on the Dayton Agreement, and we will pay more attention to how this is fulfilled in the coming period – said the High Representative.
As he adds, BiH is a country with a multi-ethnic character and it is necessary to protect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and structure of BiH as agreed in the Dayton Agreement.
– We came out stronger after the PIC, but not stronger as the international community, but stronger in the intention to work towards the European future of BiH – noted Schmidt.
Speaking about the “peaceful separation” announced by the RS entity authorities, Schmidt said that the position has not changed, but the instruments have changed.
– If such a situation were to occur, for example, you have a commission that would be appointed for separation, I would have a clear position. If you wrote a document that contained anything that would affect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, then it should be dealt with in a different way than before. The position has not changed, but the way of acting has. Everyone involved in these policies needs to explain to citizens the damage they would cause – said the High Representative.
He says that such moves would not go without consequences and that this is a “dangerous game.” He also commented on the positions of politicians from the Republika Srpska who say that the High Representative’s actions in BiH are not legitimate.
– When (Milorad) Dodik shows such a narrative that the High Representative is not legitimate, something in that statement is not right. The message for him is to understand that we are not on the same level when discussing political conditions and my position. This situation does not help anyone. Can he imagine that citizens anywhere in BiH want to see separation, I doubt that. It is better to talk with people, not the political class. We are here to live together. If you do not want to live next to your neighbors, you will never reach Europe – concluded Schmidt. (06/20)