The Embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States as well as the EU Special Representative in Sarajevo have taken note of yesterday’s Conclusions of the National Assembly of the Republika Srpska. In their Joint Statement on the Conclusions of the National Assembly of the Republika Srpska they reaffirmed their commitment to the territorial integrity and fundamental structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single, sovereign state with two entities that have no right to secede from BiH.
“At a time when the country is facing many challenges including a pandemic, we call on all authorities to focus on serving the needs of its citizens, including reforms needed for economic recovery and progress on the EU path, rather than divisive statements,” it is said.
The Joint Statement notes that the path ahead for BiH is clearly set out in the European Commission’s Opinion and in the OHR’s 5+2 agenda and that is where authorities seeking the end of international supervision need to focus.
“In the meantime, we continue to support the roles of both the High Representative and EUFOR. EUFOR’s contribution to peace and stability is still essential in BiH and we continue to fully support their work.”
The embassies remind that any decision about the eventual closure of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) is to be taken by the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC). The preconditions for the closure of the OHR are clearly defined in the 5+2 agenda, which must be fully implemented.
Until then, the High Representative continues to play a key role in the implementation of the civilian aspects of the Dayton Peace Agreement in line with his mandate and the authority given to him by the international community.
In all of this, the High Representative works closely together with all local stakeholders, including the representatives of the Republika Srpska.
The Embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States as well as the EU Special Representative in Sarajevo have taken note of yesterday’s Conclusions of the National Assembly of the Republika Srpska. In their Joint Statement on the Conclusions of the National Assembly of the Republika Srpska they reaffirmed their commitment to the territorial integrity and fundamental structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single, sovereign state with two entities that have no right to secede from BiH.
“At a time when the country is facing many challenges including a pandemic, we call on all authorities to focus on serving the needs of its citizens, including reforms needed for economic recovery and progress on the EU path, rather than divisive statements,” it is said.
The Joint Statement notes that the path ahead for BiH is clearly set out in the European Commission’s Opinion and in the OHR’s 5+2 agenda and that is where authorities seeking the end of international supervision need to focus.
“In the meantime, we continue to support the roles of both the High Representative and EUFOR. EUFOR’s contribution to peace and stability is still essential in BiH and we continue to fully support their work.”
The embassies remind that any decision about the eventual closure of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) is to be taken by the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC). The preconditions for the closure of the OHR are clearly defined in the 5+2 agenda, which must be fully implemented.
Until then, the High Representative continues to play a key role in the implementation of the civilian aspects of the Dayton Peace Agreement in line with his mandate and the authority given to him by the international community.
In all of this, the High Representative works closely together with all local stakeholders, including the representatives of the Republika Srpska.
“We encourage all parties in BiH at all levels of government to maintain a constructive atmosphere and put in the work needed to secure a better future for all citizens,” reads the statement from the press office of the United States Embassy in BiH.
