Presenting his regular report to the UN Security Council, International Community’s High Representative in BiH Christian Schmidt warned Wednesday that the Republika Srpska (RS) entity assembly passed a series of conclusions obliging the government to adopt entity laws making state laws void in the RS, withdrawing from certain state institutions such as the BiH Armed Forces, which, in turn, would allow for the formation of a separate RS army.

“These conclusions task the RS Government to adopt entity provisions that would declare state law in these areas void in this entity. If that happens, it would mean the withdrawal of the RS from the BiH Armed Forces, which are the result of one of the most significant reforms since the signing of the Dayton Agreement. It’s potentially possible to form RS’ own army. The ruling party in the RS is constantly advocating for a peaceful separation from the state and is talking about the creation of an independent RS within the framework of Dayton BiH. Some of the leaders in BiH and the region told me that a peaceful separation could not be possible,” Schmidt said in his address.

Schmidt also emphasized that the people of BiH deserve the understanding and commitment of the international community, noting that they are hardworking and peaceful people of all ethnicities.

Although there are threats to the constitutional order of the state, primarily from one part of it, Schmidt continued – those serious challenges to functionality exist throughout the country, and he decided to speak to the Security Council about the most serious ones.

“Since the beginning of this year, the international media have been speculating about the beginning of the war. In Sarajevo, protesters gathered in front of my office, calling for an intervention to prevent it. BiH is still traumatized by the war. The conflict in Ukraine is a serious reminder that war on European soil is not impossible. In this context, US senators have also recently noted that this is a worrying period for BiH. That is why I am grateful for the presence of EUFOR. Why is an international presence still needed? In the previous period, the RS authorities continued with rhetoric and activities that could undermine the constitutional framework of BiH,” Schmidt said, recalling the moves of the RS authorities related to the transfer of competencies from the state to the entity in certain areas.

He stated that the phrase “original Dayton,” which is often used by the RS authorities, indicates disrespect for the BiH Constitution.

“I have repeatedly called for talks to improve the constitutional structure, but I have not received any response. What conclusions can the citizens of a society recovering from trauma draw when they hear the rhetoric that is constantly repeated by the RS authorities, who are trying to secede the entities and go beyond the constitutional framework and take over state competencies? The announced steps of the RS authorities undermine the sovereignty of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina “, Schmidt pointed out.

The High Representative's full report can be found on THIS link.