Ahead of Friday’s United Nations Security Council session on the situation in BiH, the Government of Republika Srpska has adopted its 36th report, reaffirming its commitment to the Dayton Peace Agreement and calling for the closure of the Office of the High Representative (OHR).
The report emphasizes Republika Srpska’s commitment to the constitutional order established by Dayton, the preservation of peace and stability, and the resolution of political divisions through dialogue.
Meanwhile, the latest OHR report, signed by the acting High Representative, once again accuses Republika Srpska of obstructing institutions, making secessionist statements and pursuing what it describes as misguided political decisions.
Officials in Republika Srpska have rejected these allegations, describing the OHR report as unacceptable and filled with inaccurate information.
They maintain that the time has come to close the OHR.
Government calls for restoration of democracy and rule of law
According to the Government’s report, respect for the constitutional order established by the Dayton Peace Agreement is the only viable path toward the successful functioning of BiH.
The document emphasizes the need to restore democracy, sovereignty and the rule of law following years of intervention by foreign high representatives.
The Government argues that these officials governed BiH through unilateral decisions without constitutional authority, allegedly violating both the Constitution of BiH and international law.
“Republika Srpska recognizes only parliament as the legitimate legislator, with the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH being the sole legislative body authorized to enact laws at the BiH level, as is the case in all democratic countries,” the report states.
It further emphasizes that restoring the rule of law requires not only closing the OHR but also annulling legislation imposed by high representatives rather than adopted through democratic parliamentary procedures.
Dodik: OHR report demonstrates why the institution should no longer exist
Milorad Dodik called on the UN Security Council to support the annulment of decisions imposed by Christian Schmidt, Valentin Inzko and other high representatives that were never approved through parliamentary procedures.
Dodik described the OHR report as containing inaccurate information, arbitrary assessments and outdated political rhetoric.
“This report is proof of why the OHR should not exist. It continues with an absurd approach based entirely on the claim that some Russian influence is responsible for everything,” Dodik said.
He rejected allegations of such influence while emphasizing Republika Srpska’s commitment to cooperation with Russia.
“That influence does not exist. Republika Srpska is committed to cooperation with Russia,” Dodik stated.
Stevandić: Republika Srpska is a well-organized society
President of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska Nenad Stevandić criticized international assessments of the political situation in Republika Srpska.
He argued that critics overlook the institutional stability of Republika Srpska while failing to acknowledge the serious challenges facing Europe.
“Imagine those who fail to see the complete chaos in Europe coming here to find fault with a system that functions perfectly,” Stevandić said.
“Republika Srpska is a perfectly organized society that should serve as an example. It would be appropriate for them to apply what works so well here in their own communities,” he added.
Krišto disputes allegations of institutional blockades
The OHR report also refers to alleged institutional obstruction by Republika Srpska.
However, Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of BiH Borjana Krišto questioned the repeated characterization of political disagreements as institutional blockades.
“Blockades, blockades, blockades of this and that, the House of Peoples, institutions, and you even mentioned the Council of Ministers. I really do not know,” Krišto said.
She acknowledged that certain decisions can be difficult to adopt but emphasized that political disagreements are an inherent part of the country’s institutional system.
“I know that adopting certain decisions can be difficult. That has always existed and always will. Everyone has the right to their own political position,” she stated.
Tadić: OHR offices in Sarajevo should have been closed
Lawyer Ognjen Tadić reiterated his position that the OHR should no longer operate in BiH.
According to Tadić, the institution was effectively closed in formal terms because no high representative was appointed following Valentin Inzko through the procedure Republika Srpska considers legitimate.
“The OHR was formally closed, considering that no high representative was appointed after Inzko. However, what should have been done at the same time was to close its offices in Sarajevo,” Tadić said.
He argued that the continued operation of the OHR bureaucracy creates opportunities for political interference.
Tadić claimed that the institution’s personnel, whom he described as largely connected to political structures in Sarajevo, continue to engage in activities that undermine the political stability established following the latest elections.
Republika Srpska advocates decision-making by elected representatives
The Government of Republika Srpska concludes its report by emphasizing that political and legislative authority should rest with the democratically elected representatives of BiH’s three constituent peoples.
According to the report, allowing domestic institutions to independently manage political and legislative processes would strengthen BiH’s institutional framework.
The Government expresses confidence that respect for the Dayton Peace Agreement, constitutional competencies and democratic decision-making would help guide BiH toward lasting stability and prosperity.
Source: RTRS
