The High Representative, Christian Schmidt, reaffirmed that Republika Srpska is not a state but one of two multi-ethnic entities within the sovereign state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. “As such, it does not have a statehood,” he stated, commenting on the celebration of Candlemas as “RS Statehood Day.”
The memory of historical developments referring to Serbs in 19th century remains unscathed but cannot be misused in today’s situation. The unity of us all lies in European integration.
“The Dayton Peace Agreement is clear: entities only exist legally by virtue of the BiH Constitution and have no ‘sovereignty’ or ‘statehood’. Republika Srpska, as a component part of the sovereign state of Bosnia and Herzegovina is subject to the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition, Republika Srpska is not an entity of Serb people but a multi-ethnic entity where three constituent peoples (and Others) are equal, and its authorities do not represent only Serb people”, HR Schmidt emphasized. He urged all political actors to respect the agreement’s principles, as they form the legal and constitutional foundation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is fixed in the Dayton GFAP.
He also called on political leaders and public figures to use language that promotes stability, dialogue, and reconciliation rather than division. “I am fully committed to ensuring that the peace, stability, and progress achieved through the Dayton Peace Agreement continue to be upheld in the interest of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” HR Schmidt concluded.