High Representative Christian Schmidt met today with the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Becirovic, to discuss current circumstances in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the necessary reforms that must be implemented before the elections to accelerate BiH's path toward EU integration.

As reported by the Office of the High Representative (OHR) on platform X, the High Representative emphasized that all public officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina must work harder to avoid tensions and create a conducive environment for reforms and the smooth functioning of relevant institutions within their competencies and existing legal regulations.

The meeting between Becirovic and Schmidt followed yesterday's parade of soldiers from the Serbian Army through Prijedor and Bratunac. Becirovic had stated that the Presidency of BiH did not approve the entry of the Serbian Army into the country and announced a meeting with Schmidt.

During the hours-long discussion at the OHR, Becirovic once again highlighted the dangerous content and consequences of the so-called All-Serb Assembly declaration.

“One of the dangerous aspects of this declaration is the institutionalization of relations between the state of the Republic of Serbia and an administrative unit in another country. The announcement of the beginning of the implementation of Vucic's Greater Serbia and anti-Dayton declaration involves the entry of members of the Serbian Army into the territory of the independent and sovereign state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The declaration is dangerous not only for Bosnia and Herzegovina but for the whole of Europe, as it undermines the fundamental principles upon which the European Union is based. There is no doubt that the declaration of the so-called All-Serbian Assembly threatens peace in the region, international law, and the core provisions of the Dayton Peace Agreement. The implementation of this declaration would mean the complete destabilization of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. Therefore, it is essential for the international community to take concrete steps to halt its implementation,” said Becirovic, among other points.

High Representative Schmidt emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina's state borders are internationally recognized and protected, and that the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity are indisputable. He stressed that attacks on the Dayton Peace Agreement and the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina are unacceptable and that those responsible will face consequences.

The Chairman of the Presidency of BiH stated that strategic partners from the international community must take seriously the threats to the peace and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina to prevent destabilization of the entire region. He highlighted that the OHR, the EU Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, EUFOR, NATO, and the states witnessing the Dayton Peace Agreement have all the necessary mechanisms to ensure the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement and the preservation of peace.