GERMAN-FRENCH NON-PAPER WILL FURTHER DEEPEN CRISIS IN BiH

BANJA LUKA, MAY 24 /SRNA/ - The Prime Minister of Republika Srpska Radovan Višković has stated that the non-paper prepared by Germany and France will further deepen the crisis BiH is currently facing and will in no way contribute to resolving it, contrary to what some political circles in BiH and abroad are expecting.

Višković has emphasized that the policy of sanctions and additional pressure on Republika Srpska and its democratically elected officials demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of the political processes taking place in BiH and a willful blindness to the fact that, even 30 years after the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, efforts are being made to punish those who advocate for its consistent implementation.

"Republika Srpska is firmly opposed to attempts to amend and undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement, which are reflected in constant efforts toward centralization and unitarization of BiH by political circles in Sarajevo and a part of the international community," Višković stated.

According to him, the only possible way out of the current political crisis is through open and constructive dialogue among legitimately elected representatives, which should begin as soon as possible without international community’s interference, the government statement read.

"Only in this way can BiH demonstrate that it has the democratic capacity needed on its path to the European Union," Višković noted.

He emphasized that Republika Srpska has always had a good and proper relationship with the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the European Investment Bank, and that these organisations know Republika Srpska is a reliable and responsible partner with whom they have jointly implemented numerous projects.