After the ambassadors of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) strongly condemned the escalation of tensions among some political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the Embassy of Russia also spoke out and commented on the latest developments on our political scene.
Unlike other countries of the PIC Steering Board, which supported Valentin Inzko’s decision to impose amendments to the Criminal Code, the Russian Federation announced it did not agree with this statement.
In a statement published on the official websites of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in BiH, they explained in detail why they do not approve the latest decisions of the now former High Representative in BiH, Valentin Inzko.
”We have always opposed the use of the ‘Bonn Powers’. Even assuming that they became the basis of Valentin Inzko’s decision, even their broadest interpretation does not entitle him to interfere in the activities of the legislature. Moreover, the unlimited interpretation of the ‘Bonn Powers’ (so-called ‘other measures’, Part XI, paragraph 2, item c) leads to Valentin Inzko having the right to take a Kalashnikov, go to Banja Luka, and then shoot all deputies of the Republika Srpska (RS) National Assembly. According to his interpretation of the ‘Bonn Powers’, he will be right! Does BiH need such a High Representative? “
“The decision of the National Assembly was made by a legally elected democratic body. There is no doubt about its legitimacy. With his voluntarism, Valentin Inzko asks the question – whose democracy is stronger: his or the democracy of the National Assembly? His or the City Council of Mostar? His or Assembly of Zenica-Doboj Canton? There is no dilemma for us. “
At the end of the statement, the Russian Embassy in BiH reiterated its position on closing the Office of the High Representative (OHR) in BiH.
“It is for these reasons that we think the OHR is a brake on BiH’s development path, thus we insist on its unconditional closure. This is the case when the advantages have long since turned into irreparable shortcomings. Therefore – it must be closed!” it was announced by the Russian Embassy in BiH.
E.Dz.
