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The HDZ-sponsored gathering in Mostar tomorrow has been the cause of some interest in certain circles in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Dialogue and discussion are fundamental to an open and progressive society. If the gathering in Mostar tomorrow is aimed at dialogue and discussion then it could be a welcome contribution to the wider debate on the future of the Croat people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in a new regional environment. I personally, and the international community in general, remain open and eager to work hand in hand with all those who are ready to work within the legal institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the good of the Croats and all others in the country. I am here to defend the interests of all the citizens and peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina and all can rest assured that I will continue to do precisely this. The implementation of the groundbreaking Constituent Peoples case represents a unique opportunity to affirm the rights of the Croat people both as individuals and as a collective in the Federation, but more significantly in the Republika Srpska, where the position of Croats is genuinely difficult. The Constitutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federation clearly regulate the procedure for constitutional amendment. Any proposals for such amendment must follow these procedures and must be defended and approved in the legal institutions of the State and Federation. In this respect, I would like to state clearly that the door remains open for the remaining delegates in the Federation House of Peoples to take up their positions and in this way fulfil their obligations to their electorate. The interests of the Croat people can only be ensured through the legal institutions at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina and not through illegal parallel structures. Indeed, of the three constituent peoples the Croat people, due to their size, should perhaps have the greatest interest in their representatives fully embracing those institutions at the Federation and State level which provide for the protection of their vital interests. I am concerned that some radical elements in the discussion seem intent on using the gathering in Mostar for the purpose of publicly establishing illegal parallel structures for their own advantage. Parallel instutions and the corruption they foster will only serve to further enrich a corrupt few. I urge the Croat people to see any such initiative in these terms. The silent majority will remain sidelined by these institutions and left to continue to struggle to meet their basic needs. Only by integrating into Europe will all in Bosnia and Herzegovina be prosperous. As Bosnia and Herzegovina moves towards Europe and integration into European structures, every constituent people in Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to take care to ensure its democratic honour. Europe is only ready to accept developed states and peoples with a high degree of political maturity and a proven record of respect for basic democratic principles and human rights. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s citizens and peoples can only move forward as one towards Europe and in this respect all involved, including the Croats, have a responsibility to each other to be constructive and co-operate for the common good. I take this opportunity to remind all concerned that any individual found to be engaged in illegal or anti-Dayton activities, including the establishment and maintenance of parallel structures, will be liable to sanction in accordance with my mandate. Furthermore, I call for the competent authorities to initiate charges against individuals found to be engaged in such activities. Activities aimed at undermining the legal institutions of the Federation and State will not be tolerated. I urge the Croat people to seize the opportunities of a changed regional environment and work in partnership with the international community to build a peaceful and prosperous future for themselves, their children and all the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I will continue to work towards this goal.
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