The High Representative welcomes the fact that the RS National Assembly fulfilled its constitutional role yesterday. The National Assembly heard and clearly expressed its view on Mr Miljus’s programme and proposed government. In so doing, deputies operated in accordance with democratic principles and the RS constitution. The National Assembly is functioning.
However, the High Representative remains concerned that four months after the elections, the President of Republika Srpska has still not nominated a candidate for Prime Minister who is capable of commanding a majority in the National Assembly.
The RS President is obliged through the principle of normal democratic process to nominate a candidate who will gain the support of a majority of the deputies in the National Assembly. President Poplasen has still not met this obligation. There is no valid reason to ignore democratic principles and exclude the one candidate who is clearly backed by the majority of the delegates in the Assembly. Such behaviour endangers the constitutional integrity of the position entrusted to him by the people of the Republika Srpska.
The High Representative cannot accept this impasse from preventing progress for the people of Republika Srpska. In accordance with the constitution of Republika Srpska, the government of Mr Dodik continues to operate with full powers. The OHR continues to fully engage with the government and encourages other organisations and nations to do so.
International Community cooperation with the government of Republika Srpska depends on the extent to which the government can deliver social, economic and political progress, as has been the case over the last year.