The Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, who is visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that the current political situation in BiH is worrying and is leaving its mark on local communities, but that it could also lead to far-reaching consequences for peace and cooperation in the region and beyond.
He made the remarks after meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, with whom he discussed the political situation in the country and the role of the OSCE in preserving stability and democratic processes.
– The OSCE remains firmly committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We call on all parties to focus on achieving concrete progress in the interests of all citizens, and to stop using divisive narratives and resorting to tactics that lead to tensions and create distrust in communities across the country – he stressed.
He also stressed that all political leaders are obliged to respect the constitutional order and refrain from actions that could lead to further destabilization of the country.
– All those who violate the constitutional order have no legitimacy for these actions. The way out must come from a sincere commitment to democracy, dialogue and constitutional integrity. The OSCE is ready to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in overcoming the crisis and continue to work together with you so that the vision of a better future becomes a reality – he concluded.
Minister Konaković said that instability in BiH means instability in the Western Balkans region, but also in the entire European space, and expressed satisfaction that efforts have been made to ensure that the OSCE continues to be functional in BiH, because it is one of the most important missions in BiH with around 400 employees who, with their dedicated work, assist all levels of government.
He emphasized that he had informed the Secretary General about the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and about the opportunities and chances that BiH has been presented with after a long time, referring to European integration.
– These are chances to integrate our market into the European one, to attract significant investors, to ensure better working conditions, to create new jobs and to retain young people. But standing in the way of that story is one man, Milorad Dodik, who puts the interests of the state of BiH under his feet – said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH.
Konaković believes that this is not a story about ethnic conflicts, but about a crime that one man is trying to protect using the institutions of Republika Srpska.
– The messages we hear from our friends and acquaintances who know the situation in BiH well are encouraging. It seems to me that people have realized that we need to remove that brake so that Bosnia and Herzegovina can start its economic recovery and economic improvement at a fast pace – Konaković concluded.
