OHR AND FOREIGN JUDGES IN BiH CONSTITUTIONAL COURT HINDER CONSENSUS

BANJA LUKA, APRIL 1 /SRNA/ – During the meeting with the delegation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union from the United Kingdom, Republika Srpska National Assembly Speaker Nenad Stevandić said that the OHR and foreign judges in the BiH Constitutional Court were obstructing agreement in BiH.

At the meeting of the National Assembly Presidency in Banja Luka with the British delegation, Stevandić noted that there is political will in BiH for an agreement among the three constituent peoples and two entities, but that this willingness often lacks adequate support from part of the international community. He stressed the need to establish and maintain contacts with countries that play an active role in BiH but have not been sufficiently familiar with or understanding of Republika Srpska’s positions. During the talks, it was particularly emphasized that the issue of property is one of the most important for Republika Srpska and should serve as a factor of investment and development rather than a source of political conflict, the National Assembly said in a statement. It was highlighted that investments contribute to improving living standards, economic development and stability, and that Republika Srpska, due to its economic and territorial potential, represents a favorable area for investment. The property issue, it was underlined, is resolved for Republika Srpska, and property should be used exclusively for development purposes, with the consent of the entities, rather than through political obstruction. The meeting also served as an opportunity to present to the guests that Republika Srpska pursues a responsible policy and is committed to dee-scalation, cooperation and development, with full respect for its competencies. It was also emphasized that Republika Srpska will not allow its constitutional and property rights to be undermined and will protect its constitutional position in line with the UN Charter and related documents defining the protection of peoples. The meeting was also attended by the Secretary General of the Republika Srpska National Assembly, Boran Bosančić.