PIC: BiH is not a state union, RS is only a entity

Political directors of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council in BiH / PIK / announced that, on the grounds of the conclusions of the National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska of November 7, BiH is not a union of states and that the Republic of Srpska is an integral entity of BiH, not a state itself.

In the communiqué, whose text, as High Representative Valentin Inzko said, was not supported by the representative of Russia, it is stated that, in accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace, sovereignty and statehood rest on the state of BiH.

The PIC Steering Board reiterated that the entities have no right to secession from BiH and that they legally exist only on the basis of the BiH Constitution.

"Once again, the commitment to territorial integrity and the basic structure of BiH as a unique and sovereign state, consisting of two entities, has been confirmed , " the commission said.

The PIC Steering Board recalls that foreign policy and membership requirements in international organizations and institutions fall under the exclusive competence of BiH institutions.

"The PIC members of NATO and Japan are urging the authorities to conduct the BiH Defense Review, adopted in December 2016, to modernize BiH's institutions and potentials from the domain of defense, and to record the registration of prospective military assets in both entities. Republika Srpska authorities must respect binding decisions of the BiH courts in the case relating to the location of prospective assets in Han Pijesak / Veliki Zep /, "the communique states.

The communiqué expresses concern over the constant rhetoric of the division heard from politicians in BiH.

"Statements about the secession of the entity, the story of hypothetical war scenarios, or the denial of the Hague Tribunal judgments are inadmissible and create an atmosphere that endangers inter-ethnic dialogue and reconciliation, as well as any progress in improving the lives of BiH citizens ," the PIC communiqué said.

The PIC Steering Board calls for reconciliation, mutual understanding and tolerance and abstention from events, actions and rhetoric that introduce divisions, including the glorification of convicted war criminals, historical revisionism and the provocative use of symbols, and supports the International Criminal Tribunal Mechanism, which will to succeed the Hague tribunal.

It was emphasized that the international community continues to hold the necessary instruments to ensure the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, and that full implementation of the "five plus two" program is required, which is still a condition for the closure of the OHR.

In a communique, all sides recall the obligation to fully respect the Dayton Peace Agreement, all its annexes and the High Representative's decisions.

The PIC reminds the authorities in BiH that the BiH Constitution is an integral part of the Dayton Peace Agreement and that the decisions of the Constitutional Court of BiH are final and binding and must be implemented.

The PIC Steering Board has once again reaffirmed the full support of the High Representative in fostering full respect for the General Framework Agreement for Peace in BiH and the implementation of his mandate in accordance with Annex 10 and the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.

The political directors of the PIC Steering Board met today with members of the BiH Presidency with whom they discussed the political situation in BiH and the priorities of the coalition until the end of this mandate, as well as with BiH judicial bodies.

The PIC Steering Board expressed regret over the lack of progress in BiH, the missed opportunities and the loss of significant funds over the past six months, resulting from political conflicts and the fact that the authorities have avoided responsibility.

"This refers to BiH-level institutions that are unable to pass key laws and implement reforms of vital importance for social and economic progress, as well as conditions from the program" five plus two ", states the communique.

The PIC Steering Board expressed regret that the Federation of BiH did not pass and enforce laws, including those on the priorities of the entity government in the Reform Agenda.

The PIC provides additional incentives for finding a solution to the issue of the Club of Members of the Serbian People in the House of Peoples of the Federation of BiH, and the implementation of the recommendations of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the Group of States Against Corruption, aimed at improving the electoral process.

Regarding the challenges in the upcoming period, the PIC Steering Board has called on competent authorities in BiH to deliver results on the following urgent priorities.

It is about taking steps to improve the overall atmosphere in BiH, to take advantage of the time until the election to focus attention on issues that are important for BiH citizens, while refraining from unilateral moves and strict adherence to the basic principles of compromise, dialogue and consensus between the three constituent peoples in decision-making, which should contribute to political stability and create opportunities for economic development.

PIC requests that the remaining conditions in the arrangement with the IMF for extended financing be fulfilled in BiH as soon as possible, to improve the mechanism for donor coordination and to take on more responsibilities in the process of economic and social development.

The PIC Steering Board supports efforts to harmonize the electoral system with decisions of the European Court of Human Rights.

The PIC Steering Board invites relevant political leaders to implement the decision of the Constitutional Court of BiH for Mostar, thus enabling the holding of elections in this city which, as it is said, must remain a single, multiethnic unit of local self-government with a certain level of local competencies / administration below levels of city administration.

PIC also refers to abstaining from any actions that further politicize education in BiH and hampers reconciliation, including violations of the Criteria for School Name and Symbols, with the most recent example being the Mustafa Busuladzic School in Sarajevo Canton, for which they were resolved authorities have obliged.

Political directors of the PIC believe that the strengthening of regional cooperation in various forms should be continued with the aim of contributing to sustainable reconciliation, improved mutual understanding, promotion of new opportunities for economic development and enhanced cultural cohesion.

The next session of the PIC Steering Board should be held in Sarajevo in June next year.

• 8 Dec, 2017
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