Leading members of the European Parliament issued a joint statement on the verdict against Milorad Dodik, stating that Bosnia and Herzegovina is an independent and sovereign state, whose territorial integrity is beyond question.
“We take note of the decision of the Court of BiH, which is subject to appeal, and we stress the importance of full respect for the institutions of BiH and the independence of its judiciary. We consider the unprecedented pressure on the judiciary and the intimidation of judges ahead of today’s verdict unacceptable. We call on all actors in BiH to show maximum restraint following today’s decision and to refrain from political threats and other potentially harmful actions,” the statement said.
The European Parliament recalled that it had repeatedly called for targeted sanctions against political actors who destabilize BiH and threaten its sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order, including Milorad Dodik, as well as other high-ranking RS officials and third parties supporting secessionist policies.
“Instead of spreading divisions and enacting measures and laws that would clearly violate the Constitution of BiH, the RS leadership should focus on urgent steps that are necessary for BiH to progress on its path towards the European Union,” said a statement signed by the EP Foreign Affairs Committee’s permanent rapporteur for BiH, Ondrej Kolar, and the Chairman of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with BiH and Kosovo, Davor Ivo Štier.
