KOŠARAC: ASSEMBLY CONCLUSIONS BINDING FOR ALL OF US, REFERENDUM AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONFIRM THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE

SARAJEVO, AUGUST 23 /SRNA/ - Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers Staša Košarac stated that the institutions of Republika Srpska will protect the constitutional capacity of Srpska and the democratic will of its citizens, which is also confirmed by the conclusions of the National Assembly, providing an appropriate response to the unconstitutional and anti-Dayton attacks on Republika Srpska and its institutions.

"The conclusions are binding for all of us," Košarac emphasized.

According to him, the National Assembly of Republika Srpska clearly stated that it rejects the ruling of the unconstitutional Court of BiH against Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, as well as the decision of the Central Election Commission /CEC/ to terminate his mandate.

Košarac added that President Dodik is required to continue performing his duties as President of the Republic in full, respecting the Constitution of Republika Srpska and fulfilling his constitutional obligations.

"The political ruling against President Dodik was issued based on the decision of the unelected foreigner /Christian/ Schmidt, whose anti-constitutional and anti-Dayton actions are the main cause of the constitutional and political crisis, undermining the rule of law and the principles of constitutionality and legality in BiH. We do not accept Schmidt’s decisions, nor the consequences arising from them," Košarac said.

Emphasizing that the people are the sole bearers of sovereignty and that their will cannot be nullified, Košarac stated that the possibility of early elections for the President of Republika Srpska is rejected.

He points out that participating in early elections would constitute a violation of the positions of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, a disruption of the constitutional balance, and the nullification of Republika Srpska as a party to the Dayton Peace Agreement.

"Republika Srpska has President Milorad Dodik, elected by the free will of its citizens in democratic elections. The upcoming referendum, which is our legitimate right and part of the political struggle to defend the status of Republika Srpska, will be an excellent opportunity to confirm the will of the Serb people. Citizens will clearly state whether they accept foreigners and illegitimate representatives who undermine the constitutional order and make decisions on their behalf. There is no doubt—October 25 will be a resounding ‘NO’," Košarac wrote on Instagram.

The National Assembly of Republika Srpska adopted on Friday evening a decision to hold a referendum regarding the ruling of the unconstitutional Court of BiH against Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik and the decision of the Central Election Commission of BiH to terminate the mandate of President Dodik, setting the referendum date for October 25.

The referendum question reads: "Do you accept the decisions of the unelected foreigner, Christian Schmidt, and the verdicts of the unconstitutional Court of BiH against the President of Republika Srpska, as well as the decision of the CEC to terminate the mandate of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik?"