Republika Srpska is expected to constitute its new National Assembly and form a government by the end of November, paving the way for the adoption of a new constitution.
SNSD President Milorad Dodik has indicated that the new constitution could be proclaimed as early as January 9, on Republika Srpska Day.
National Assembly Speaker Nenad Stevandić emphasized that Republika Srpska has the constitutional right to adopt a new version of its highest legal act and insisted that no one can prevent it from exercising that right.
“There is no way they can stop us. They can harass us, smear us, slow us down and cause difficulties, but they cannot prevent us,” Stevandić stated.
He stressed that Republika Srpska would continue to exercise what he described as its constitutional rights while seeking the most appropriate approach to adopting the new document.
“We will always exercise our rights and find the best possible way to do so,” he said.
Stevandić calls for participation of Bosniaks and Croats
Stevandić also suggested that the constitutional reform process should include representatives of all three constituent peoples.
He interpreted Dodik’s announcement as an invitation for Bosniaks and Croats to participate in drafting the new constitution.
“It would be good for this to serve as a form of invitation. That is how I understood Mr. Dodik’s statement: that Bosniaks and Croats should also take part in this process,” Stevandić explained.
He emphasized that the proposed constitutional changes were not intended to undermine the rights of other peoples.
“We have no intention of threatening other peoples. Our goal is to make Republika Srpska more efficient,” Stevandić concluded.
Source: RTRS
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