Former Minister of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska, Dragan Lukač, stated that the original Dayton Agreement has been dismantled by the high representatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina and that it no longer resembles its original form.
Lukač emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently experiencing a peak of crisis and that the only way to resolve it is through political means, meaning an agreement among the three sides in Bosnia and Herzegovina without foreign interference.
He pointed out that what is currently happening in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a politically motivated trial, political persecution, and a farce, stressing that any attempt to arrest the leadership of Republika Srpska would lead to unforeseeable and severe consequences.
Lukač noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains under a protectorate even 30 years after the war, which benefits many, and that Christian Schmidt, whom Republika Srpska does not recognize as the High Representative since he was not appointed by the UN, continues to impose laws despite having no legislative authority in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Speaking to ATV, Lukač described the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina as politically driven, highlighting that the verdict against Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik was immediately followed by an arrest warrant without allowing him the opportunity to appeal the ruling with his legal team.
He stressed that Dodik has not violated the Dayton Peace Agreement in any way but has always invoked it, as it brought peace that must be preserved.
“The Dayton Agreement is our constitution. The Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Constitution of Republika Srpska, originates from it. If we violate the Dayton Agreement, if we renounce it, we will be renouncing our own constitution, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska as they were constituted. Dayton was what legitimized Srpska on the international level,” Lukač added.
New Constitution of Srpska will not contradict the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Former Minister of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska, Dragan Lukač, emphasized that the new constitution of Srpska will not contradict either the Dayton Agreement or the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, stating that this is the essence of the matter.
Lukač explained that the adoption of a new constitution has been expected for many years because the current one no longer serves the same purpose as when it was first adopted.
“The current situation has made it necessary to act now,” Lukač told ATV.
He stated that a public debate will follow, allowing everyone to present concrete proposals, expressing hope that representatives of the other two constituent peoples will also participate and that all constructive suggestions will be considered.
“I believe that Bosniaks and Croats should be involved in this process, especially regarding proposals related to the two vice presidents. I don’t see why that should be a problem. On the other hand, when it comes to the Council of Peoples, I believe it should not have existed in the first place. Let me remind you that it was an imposed institution, which Bosniaks frequently abused,” Lukač said.
Reacting to claims that the new constitution could enable secession, Lukač dismissed them as unfounded, emphasizing that one of the key principles of democracy is the right of citizens to express their will through a referendum.
“This is about restoring the original Dayton Agreement and asking for what was stipulated in it. That is the foundation of everything happening now. We all know that after 30 years, the Office of the High Representative is no longer needed in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Until we get rid of the protectorate and the High Representative, we will never be able to join the EU,” Lukač assessed.
He stated that the only possible way for Bosnia and Herzegovina to function is through an agreement among the three constituent peoples and pointed out that a pro-European narrative was expected from the ‘Trojka’ coalition, yet figures such as Zukan Helez and Ramo Isak have emerged from it instead.
“They try to portray themselves as tough guys and protectors of Bosniaks with their statements. I don’t know where they were during the war or what their background is, but even their own people jeer at them because they know what kind of men they are dealing with. Now, the SDA even appears to be a more acceptable option compared to how they have presented themselves,” Lukač added.
Commenting on the increased presence of EUFOR forces, Lukač stated that foreigners in Bosnia and Herzegovina should act as a corrective factor only in the event of a threat to peace, which is their designated role.
Source: RTRS
