The National Assembly of Republika Srpska (NARS) two days ago, at a special session, annulled all disputed laws that the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) declared unconstitutional and anti-Dayton. The opposition claims that the government was forced to take this step in order for certain individuals to have United States (U.S.) sanctions lifted. Reactions also came from the U.S., which welcomed the appointment of Ana Trisic-Babic as acting president of RS. Analysts believe that this is a certain settlement and that Milorad Dodik must also step down from the head of the SNSD.
As an explanation for annulling the laws that RS previously adopted, which the Constitutional Court of BiH declared unconstitutional, the authorities in RS state that this is about showing readiness for a new agreement.
“The U.S. is my strategic partner; I’m currently working with them the most. Why? Because that was what we were lacking. We had Murphy, who was writing tweets every day and harassing us,” said Zeljka Cvijanovic, member of the Presidency of BiH.
The opposition, however, believes that the moves of the authorities in the NARS are actually an acceptance of an ultimatum in order to have U.S. sanctions lifted for certain individuals.
“If sanctions are being lifted, we support it. I support lifting them for everyone; people have terrible problems. But say that’s the reason, don’t paint it like RS will get something out of it, don’t take away from us what is ours,” said Igor Crnadak, head of the PDP Caucus in the NARS.
Yesterday, reactions arrived from the State Department to the appointment of Ana Trisic-Babic as acting president of RS, as well as from the U.S. Embassy in BiH to the annulment of the disputed laws.
“The U.S. welcomes the action of the NARS, which confirms stability in BiH. It will also set the course for constructive partnership with the U.S., based on mutual interests, economic potential, and shared prosperity,” said the State Department.
“We look forward to continuing close cooperation with all parties and constituent peoples in BiH on pragmatic solutions to improve security and stability. We expect a more constructive and pragmatic relationship with RS,” said the U.S. Embassy in BiH.
At the same time, analysts assess that these moves signal that Milorad Dodik will have to step down from the head of the SNSD as well.
“There’s no doubt about that. He’s trying to keep the strings in his hands as long as possible and to remain at the head of the SNSD because that’s the source of his political power. But at this moment, he cannot know whether the gentleman’s agreement he reached – to withdraw from the political scene – will be honored on the other side,” said Zeljko Raljic, journalist and political analyst.
On the other hand, SNSD leader Milorad Dodik claims that the situation in RS will significantly change in the coming year.
“I’m telling you that RS has no challenges that could threaten it. We will cut off Schmidt, we will cut off the Bonn powers. All that awaits us in this year – and you will see that it will be so,” said Milorad Dodik, president of SNSD.
When it comes to stabilizing the situation in BiH and the course toward prosperity and economic development, analysts believe everything will best be seen through the future functioning of state-level institutions, which have been in blockade and political obstruction for almost the entire year.
