Branislav Borenović, President of the PDP and a delegate in the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, during today’s discussion on the Report on the admission of Kosovo to the Council of Europe, posed a question to his colleagues about how they would decide if a part of their sovereign state unilaterally declared independence against their will and was now seeking membership in the Council of Europe.
He regretfully stated that by placing Kosovo’s admission on the agenda, we are witnessing a drastic example of the deterioration of international law.
“Here, in the heart of Europe, the cradle of democracy, we are witnessing a terrible assault on basic democratic principles. By this action, you trample on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a Council of Europe and United Nations member state, Serbia. This sets a world record in violating democratic principles and international law, as you seek to expedite membership for the Kosovo territory, unilaterally separated from the sovereign state of Serbia, within just a year,” said Borenović, reminding that the territory of Kosovo is not recognized as an independent state by more than half of the world and cannot be a member of the United Nations as an independent country.
He reminded that the authorities in Pristina have not acted in accordance with international obligations and are violating international agreements.
“We know that Pristina has done absolutely nothing to fulfill the key condition from the Brussels Agreement, specifically regarding the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities,” Borenović stated.
He emphasized that all this is happening at a difficult moment when negotiations are being made to normalize relations between Belgrade and Pristina.
“Gentlemen, you are creating an incredible precedent, historically detrimental and undermining the Council of Europe institution. I ask you, does this precedent create a new rule, are you sending a message today to Catalonia, Scotland, Northern Italy, South Tyrol, Flanders, Northern Cyprus, many parts of Ukraine…? Are you sending a message to my Republika Srpska and to Bosnia and Herzegovina? Is it possible to unilaterally declare independence and be admitted to the Council of Europe? The outcome of today’s vote will tell, and time will show what consequences there will be,” he asserted.
He stated that he would vote against the proposal and reiterated that without Serbia’s consent, it is senseless, unreasonable, inappropriate, and absurd to make such incredible decisions.
“This is a paradox and a disgrace. The only way to save the honor and dignity of this institution is to reject this proposal, or that the key precondition for any consideration be the implementation of agreed agreements, i.e., the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities,” Borenović concluded.
Source: RTRS
