Peace Implementation Council Calls on Republika Srpska to Cease Anti-Dayton Activities

Banjaluka (Photo: PrintScreen YouTube)

The Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council in Bosnia and Herzegovina condemned on Feb. 28 the latest decisions of the parliament of Republika Srpska and called on the authorities of that Bosnian entity to immediately cease all activities contrary to the Dayton Peace Accords and the legal and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina. "These actions contradict the commitments that Bosnia and Herzegovina has undertaken on the EU path," read a press release issued by the Office of the High Representative after a session of the Steering Board.

The press release further stated that the PIC reiterated its "support of the Dayton Peace Agreement and Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty and territorial integrity," "firmly opposing any actions that would undermine [Bosnia's] security and stability." The PIC Steering Board condemned the adoption of the latest conclusions and legislation by the Republika Srpska parliament.

"These actions by the ruling coalition in Republika Srpska seek to destabilize the institutions exercising constitutional responsibilities of the State, in accordance with the laws of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and whose establishment has been confirmed constitutional by the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina," the press release notes.

High Representative Christian Schmidt is chairman of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council composed of the ambassadors of the U.S., UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and Turkey, while Russia froze its membership when the war in Ukraine began. The Republika Srpska People's Assembly has adopted a law banning the operation of the Court and Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Investigation and Protection Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the territory of that Bosnian entity, while Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik has announced the adoption of a new entity Constitution which will reinstate the original Dayton deal.