The decision of the United States to designate Milorad Dodik, the BiH Serb member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency, and one entity associated with Dodik, Alternativna Televizija (ATV), under the recently issued Western Balkans Executive Order, in light of their destabilizing activities and corruption, is a logical consequence of the destructive and dangerous attitude in reference to his failure to meet the basic requirements of responsible leadership. Mr. Dodik has to answer a lot of uncomfortable questions and should return to reasonable and accountable actions without violating the State Constitution and the rule of law.
As the High Representative underlines, these sanctions are the result of Mr. Dodik’s destabilizing activities. “Sanctions are one of the tools the International Community can use to show that blocking the state will not be tolerated. If there are political differences, then the way forward is to resolve them through dialogue in the institutions of BiH instead of a bizarre and contradicting monologue.”
“As agreed with the European Union and the international community, the offer remains on the table to work with the Parliament in a constructive manner and find solutions based on the Constitution and the Dayton Peace Agreement. The rule of law has to be respected; it is as simple as that,” the High Representative underscored.
The High Representative also reiterates his commitment to constructive cooperation with everyone in BiH but states clearly that other options are on the table. He also welcomed the strong signal against corruption, which must be the new norm in BiH: “Only with a strong stance against corruption, BiH can fulfil its EU membership aspirations.”
The International Community is committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Any attempts to undermine BiH Institutions are unacceptable. “I call on all politicians to act reasonably in the interest of the people of BiH and to start working on the pressing issues facing the citizens they were elected to serve,” concluded the High Representative.
