Balkans | High Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina Schmidt annuls the decision of the Serbian entity

High Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt announced that the bill that revokes the validity of the decisions of the Constitutional Court of Republika Srpska, one of the two entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, will not enter into force.

Schmidt held a press conference in the capital, Sarajevo, after the decision of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska (NSRS) on June 27 regarding the validity of the decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding the territory of the entity.

Pointing out that the decision taken in the Republic of Serbia contradicts the constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Dayton Peace Agreement that ended the war in the country in 1992-1995, Schmidt said, “Our duty is to protect democracy in this country. The Republic of Serbia does not have the authority to make the decision regarding the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina “. He said.

Defending that what was done was an attack on the Constitutional Court, Schmidt said: “In this context, I am annulling the decision of the Republika Srpska and implementing it within my powers. This decision cannot come into force.” He said.

The decision of the Republic of Serbia not to publish it in the Official Gazette of the High Representative, which was taken last week, will not enter into force, Schmitt announced that Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to protect its territorial integrity.

Schmidt called on international institutions to impose sanctions on those who threaten the constitutional system of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and said: “I have decided to change the criminal law so that what is done against the constitutional system of the country is considered a crime.” Use the phrase.

Dodik says he will not accept the High Representative’s decisions

RS President Milorad Dodik also made a statement before the press conference, saying that Schmidt is not in a legal situation and said: “I will not accept any decision that Schmidt makes. RS will not accept any punishment either.” He said.

The decision to revoke the validity of the decisions of the Constitutional Court of Republika Srpska, one of the two entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was accepted by the NSRS on June 27 with a majority vote.

“The step taken today will be the basis for the independence of the Republic of Serbia,” said the President of the Republic of Serbia, Milorad Dodik, in his speech at the parliamentary session. I used this phrase.

Office of the High Representative and High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In addition to the complex political structure created by the Dayton Peace Treaty, which ended the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Office of the High Representative (OHR), also created at Dayton, has the power to make laws in case of need.

The Human Rights Office oversees the implementation of the Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina on behalf of the international community. The High Representative also coordinates the activities of international institutions operating in the country.

The High Representative, who submits annual reports to the United Nations on developments and problems in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has broad powers known as the “Bonn powers”. The High Representative is able to expel persons who interfere with the implementation of peace in the country, including members of the Presidency Council, and to issue laws if necessary.

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