An entity referendum on a State-level competency is unacceptable, High Representative and EU Special Representative Valentin Inzko wrote in an article that appeared in today’s issue of Blic.

“Neither entity has the constitutional mandate to deal with a State institution, including the State Court,” he wrote. “This has never been an entity issue. It has always been a state issue. In an institutionally complex country like Bosnia and Herzegovina each level of authority must respect its competencies and not undermine others. RS politicians know this, and they should know that undermining the peace agreement is a dangerous political adventure – one which can have unforeseen consequences.”

The HR/EUSR noted that if there are questions about the State-level judiciary these should be debated in the BiH Parliament.

He stressed that people in every part of Bosnia and Herzegovina suffered under the brutality of war criminals and continue to suffer under organised crime and corruption. “I am certain that BiH citizens want stronger courts not weaker ones,” he wrote. “They want anyone who took part in war crimes, anyone who has taken part in organised crime, anyone who has accepted bribes or used political office to amass a personal fortune to be tried and punished.”

“I am responsible for upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement so that the people of this country never again have to suffer because of the shortsightedness or power games of a small group of politicians,” the HR/EUSR concluded. “I and International Community will fulfil that responsibility.”

The full text of the HE/EUSR’s article can be accessed at www.ohr.int and www.europa.ba