In the view of Schwartz-Schilling, the International Community’s High Representative for BiH, the statement made by RS Prime Minister, Milorad Dodik, that everyone should be given the right of self-determination, including RS, does not cause even the slightest dilemma:
– Republika Srpska is neither Kosovo nor
Vecernje novosti: Many foreign media report that the referendum in
– People have lived together in this region for centuries. In the past, divisions occurred and wars were waged as a result of the influence of foreign powers such as
Vecernje novosti: The
– There are 16 decisions of the Human Rights Commission of Constitutional Court of BiH, which direct the responsible bodies of the Federation of BiH and Republika Srpska to deal with the problem of finding missing persons, but all of them have been ignored so far. All these decisions must be complied with and fully implemented regardless of the ethnic and religious background of victims or families. I will personally put pressure on those institutions that turn a deaf ear to requests of the Human Rights Commission.
Vecernje novosti: Vecernje novosti: Police reform is another great political problem in BiH. Is it possible to make a step forward and build a stable BiH by ignoring the will of Serb representatives and their expressed wish for the survival of RS Police?
– It is not about ignoring the positions of Serb representatives, but the lack of constructive proposals. In general, the Serb side agrees with three EC principles that were agreed upon in October 2005, but they refuse this organization. Although there are still some inconsistencies in its position, the RS realises that it can not be an obstacle to SAA negotiations. I believe that a much needed compromise will be reached soon.
Vecernje novosti: Does this mean the survival of RS Police in the future organization?
– This is not a question of the survival of RS Police. This entity has to fulfil everything that is decided at the (higher) state level. Legislation and budget come from the state level, and this is clear to the RS Prime Minister, Milorad Dodik. With regard to the command and hierarchy, it is an issue to be negotiated. The Directorate for Police Reform is not limiting the units and regions, but is trying to do what is in the best interest of this country by using the experience of other countries.
Vecernje novosti: Why is it not possible then for RS Police to remain on the regional level in BiH?
– There is also the issue of the size of the regions. Simply put, the police are not an instrument for the abolishment of entities. This can not be done with the help of police reform. On the other hand, police reform is not meant to strengthen the entities either. This country is one country, and its regions have to be organized in a rational manner in order for the police to be efficient. Regrettably, there is a struggle between two sides behind the scenes. One of them wants to weaken the entities, and the other one wants to strengthen them. This has nothing to do with the creation of quality police force.
CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES WILL TAKE PLACE
Vecernje novosti: You advocate the idea that domestic politicians should take on responsibility. How can this happen when the package of constitutional changes has been rejected by the BiH Parliament?
– Most delegates were in favour of constitutional reform, and the same goes for the majority of citizens. Unfortunately, two more votes were needed for the adoption of the package. However, activities on constitutional reform will continue after the elections. Those who voted against constitutional reform wasted one or two years – time which could have been used for the development of this country – because they failed to adopt a pragmatic and realistic political position. They have to bear consequences before the citizens for halting the progress due to their unrealistic requests.
SCHILLING MEETS WITH THE SERBIAN OFFICIALS
The Respect For Entities
Christian Schwartz-Schilling had separate meetings in
– Good relations in the region, especially between