The High Representative and the OSCE Head of Mission note their firm rejection and unequivocal condemnation of the highly inflammatory language used by the Chairman of the Presidency, Alija Izetbegovic at a March 03 election rally of the SDA.
The stereo-typing of other political movements and parties as “ustashe” and “chetniks” damages the prospects of co-existence, forgiveness and reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina: the very things Mr. Izetbegovic correctly called for on that same day and in that same address.
The High Representative and the OSCE Head of Mission know that in an election season, every party will rally its faithful, every leader will exaggerate the differences among peoples and parties. But the liberty to campaign is not the same as a licence to slander.
The High Representative and the OSCE Head of Mission call on Mr. Izetbegovic – and all party leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina – to illustrate concern for their country by showing respect for their political rivals. Mr. Izetbegovic failed this test on March 03; the High Representative and the OSCE Head of Mission expect that this will not occur again.