ĐURĐEVIĆ: SCHMIDT’S DEPARTURE OPPORTUNITY FOR BiH TO RETURN TO DAYTON PRINCIPLES

BIJELJINA, MAY 11 /SRNA/ - SNSD Presidency member Aleksandar Đurđević assessed that Christian Schmidt's departure from BiH represents an opportunity to finally close a chapter marked by political impositions, pressure and a deep institutional crisis further intensified by his actions.

Đurđević stated that, instead of dialogue among domestic political representatives and respect for the Dayton Agreement, there had been years of attempts to impose the will of an unelected foreigner above institutions and the democratically expressed will of the people.

"It was precisely such a policy that led to the greatest distrust within BiH since the end of the war. Republika Srpska has had a clear and principled position from day one - no one can be above institutions and laws, especially not someone who has not been confirmed in accordance with Annex 10 and the procedures of the UN Security Council", Đurđević said.

He stressed that time has shown the policy pursued by Republika Srpska institutions to be correct, adding that it is now more important than ever for BiH to return to the framework of the Constitution and the Dayton Agreement.

"The future of relations in BiH can be built exclusively through an agreement between the two entities and the three constituent peoples, not through foreign interventionism and political engineering", Đurđević stated.

He added that Republika Srpska remains committed to peace, stability and the protection of its constitutional competencies, while clearly emphasizing that political processes in BiH must be led by democratically elected representatives of the people.

Christian Schmidt has made a personal decision to leave BiH, according to a statement published on the OHR website.

Schmidt informed the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council of his decision and requested, as stated, that work begin on finding his successor.