German Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas spoke about the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
Also, Maas commented on the report of High Representative (HR) Christian Schmidt, who did not have the opportunity to present it in the Security Council, the dangerous policy of Milorad Dodik, possible sanctions against the authorities from Republika Srpska (RS), but also German investments in BiH,and the reform of the Election Law.
Are you behind the report of Christian Schmidt sent to the Security Council last week, where he characterized Milorad Dodik as the main culprit for the blockades and political problems in BiH?
What we are currently experiencing in BiH is the worst political crisis since the end of the war in BiH in 1995, and I share that opinion. I am shaken when I hear that people in the country are even afraid of violence again.
The dangerous and irresponsible secessionist policy of the government of the RS is primarily responsible for that. After the withdrawal from the Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices of BiH, the next decision should, by all accounts, be the withdrawal from the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) and state tax authorities, and even the formation of its own army. This nationalist policy opens old wounds and threatens the peaceful future of the whole country. Such a path does not solve a single problem, it creates many new issues, especially for the people in RS. A permanent crisis accompanied by institutional chaos, paralysis of desperately needed reforms,and further growing tensions will drive investors out of the country, increase the number of unemployed, and intensify the departure of the population.
Is Germany ready to impose sanctions on Milorad Dodik and others who undermine state institutions, independently of the United States (U.S.) or European Union (EU) institutions?
We will not be able to look at the continuation of this irresponsible policy with folded arms because such a policy does not only harm the people of BiH. It also reverses all the progress that has been made under the Dayton Peace Agreement over many years with the overwhelming support of the international community, the EU, and Germany.
Can Germany, as the largest economy in Europe, use the position of the HR to strengthen the BiH economy, perhaps beyond economic justification through larger investments and the opening of German companies in BiH, all in the context of the growing Chinese economic presence?
HR plays a key role. He should strengthen state institutions at all levels and oversee the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. He has the full support of Germany, our EU partners, and the vast majority of United Nations (UN) Security Council members. He has at his disposal a wide range of instruments, including the powers conferred by the international community, the so-called Bonn powers.
Only a reliable state governed by the rule of law can get much-needed investments, create jobs, and ensure that young people from BiH stay in their country.
E.Dz.
Source: Klix.ba
