CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS SHOULD ADDRESS ROLE OF COUNCIL OF PEOPLES

ISTOČNO SARAJEVO, OCTOBER 16 /SRNA/ – SNSD Presidency member Staša Košarac told SRNA that the planned constitutional changes in Republika Srpska aim to prevent political abuse and blockages in the work of its institutions, adding that the role and functioning of the Council of Peoples would need to be reviewed.

Košarac said the changes also aimed to preserve the constituent status of the peoples, but stressed that the role of the Council of Peoples' must be reassessed. He said the institution, established following an intervention by the High Representative, had often hindered the faster adoption of legislation in practice because of its politicization.

"It is particularly important that the new constitution clearly establishes what constitutes a significant part of our institutional and national identity: Banja Luka is the capital, while Pale is the seat of power of Republika Srpska," Košarac said.

He said the new Republika Srpska constitution would demonstrate its institutional strength, political maturity and responsibility toward the future.

Košarac said Republika Srpska had both the capacity and the full right to adopt its highest legal act, governing its institutions and how they function.

"This process is not directed against any people, but serves the interests of preserving the constitutional order, stability and efficiency of Republika Srpska's institutions," Košarac said.

President Milorad Dodik previously said the plan was to proclaim a new Republika Srpska constitution on January 9. He said it would be modern, recognize the constituent status of the peoples and prevent abuses in the functioning of Srpska