In an interview with the news agency Tanjug, the High Representative of the International Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Christian Schmidt, explained that he had been pointing out for months that an agreement was needed in accordance with the decisions of the Constitutional Court and the Dayton Agreement on state property.
”Since a step was taken, I was in a situation where I had to show not a “red” but a “yellow card”. That card means you stay in the game, but we have to talk about behavior and perspectives, ” noted Schmidt, who recently used the Bonn powers.
Dodik is a friend of the monologue
When asked if he would meet with Milorad Dodik, Schmidt answered “at any time”.
”Nobody wants to take something from the Republika Srpska(RS), or the Serbian people in RS. A reasonable approach is needed. I am ready to contribute to that. I believe I am known as someone who does not impose decisions, but I only ordered that we should ‘open the game, and ask everyone to come and play,”Schmidt stressed.
Asked if he intended to overthrow Dodik, Schmidt said that he had heard about stories that someone wanted to arrest him, but mentioned that it was nonsense.
”I can guarantee him that I have no intention and I will not do anything to restrict his freedom of work and movement. But I expect we can return to the negotiating table. You cannot seek the dialogue and have only a monologue. I have the impression that Dodik is a friend of the monologue. Go back and stop insulting anyone, anywhere. Let’s get back to the topic, ” he stated.
It is necessary to work on reducing tensions
Yesterday, the High Representative in our country met with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic.
”My impression is that everyone in Europe should understand that Serbia is a very important country, especially at this time. Serbia’s candidacy for the European Union (EU) membership is very important. Personally, I would like to see Serbia as a part of the European community,” Schmidt told.
Asked about the role of Vucic and Serbia in the stabilization of BiH, he emphasized that they certainly have influence, but that things in BiH are decided by its citizens, that is, their elected representatives.
”As a representative of the international community, I do not want to take responsibility. The decision is up to the elected political representatives of the citizens, or those who will be elected in October,” Schmidt pointed out, adding that not only the EU has influence in BiH, but also some players outside the Union, which makes things more complicated.
”I do not see that there is a danger of war in BiH, but I see that it is necessary to work on reducing tensions,” Schmidt concluded.
