Transcript of the International Agencies’ Joint Press Conference in Banja Luka


Six weeks wasted: Two days remain


The High Representative Miroslav Lajcak is in Banja Luka this morning to meet Prime Minister Dodik; he met yesterday with Haris Silajdzic and Sulejman Tihic.


The High Representative speaking directly to party leaders to underline the gravity of the situation following the failure of the collegium talks to find an agreement on their rulebooks yesterday.


The High Representative regrets that the parties did not show a willingness to find a compromise within the boundaries laid down by the constitution.


The High Representative initiated this process on 19 October, leaving tine for BiH Party leaders to come to an agreement that is in line with the constitution, and that reduces the possibility to block the institutions by not attending sessions.


The High Representatives’ commitment to local ownership is clear; BiH politicians had six weeks to come to an agreement that will create a more functional parliament, now we are counting days.


To be clear; if you seek greater responsibility, you must show that they are ready for it.


The High Representative also now expects to be meeting with the Collegiums of both houses of BiH Parliament tomorrow.


He will ask for local ownership to be demonstrated and encourage the BIH Parliament to make a further effort to find a consensus solution that is in line with the constitution and the requirements for functionality that he laid down on 19 October.


Six weeks have been wasted needlessly, two days remain: BH leaders need to grasp this opportunity and make real progress.

Europa.ba