The Party of Democratic Action (SDA) has requested that the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) clearly present to thepublic of Bosnia and Herzegovina any planned changes to the functioning of the Office of the High Representative (OHR), warning that any weakening of its role could further deepen thepolitical crisis in the country.
Ahead of the PIC session, where a decision on appointing a new High Representative is expected to be made, the SDA states that “disturbing speculations” about a possible passivity of the OHR, a reduction of its powers, and limiting the mandate of the High Representative have emerged in the public.
“It is unacceptable that the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose destiny is being decided, have no say, and that their representatives lack information regarding the plans of international factors responsible for overseeing and implementing the Dayton Peace Agreement,” the SDA stated.
The party called on the PIC to accurately inform the public about any potential changes to the operations of the OHR and to assess their possible consequences for the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina. They requested that the candidate for the new High Representative present a program of action and confirm that they will utilize all mechanisms provided under the mandate to protect the Dayton Peace Agreement.
The SDA reminded that the OHR, through the implementation of Annex 10 of the Dayton Peace Agreement and the Bonn Powers, has played a key role over the decades in overcomingpolitical crises, unblocking institutions, and preserving state stability.
“A state structure was imposed upon Bosnia and Herzegovina in Dayton which cannot function without Annex 10, namely the Office of the High Representative,” the statement said.
The SDA also emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently facing the most severe political crisis since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, accompanied by, as they state, intense secessionist pressures and blockades of state institutions.
According to their assessment, a High Representative with full authorities is needed today more than ever, while any reduction of his role could, as they claim, embolden anti-state policies and lead to further destabilization of the country.
“Weakening his role would lead to a deepening of the crisis, instability, and the collapse of the entire peace agreement. Such a scenario is not in the interest of anyone well-intentioned and responsible,” the SDA concluded.
