KOVAČEVIĆ: THOSE AVOIDING DIALOGUE MUST UNDERSTAND THAT A WAY OUT OF THE CRISIS CANNOT BE FOUND WITHOUT US

BANJA LUKA, MAY 15 /SRNA/ - We are fully aware that dialogue among the key internal actors in BiH - the representatives of the three equal constituent peoples and the two equal entities - based on the Constitution of BiH, is the only way out of the crisis and the only way toward a stable future, said SNSD spokesman Radovan Kovačević.

"We are also aware that without full sovereignty and the decisive rejection of foreign interference, there can be no stable future for BiH. We remain committed to BiH's European path, but with clear visibility of Republika Srpska and respect for the constitutional structure and order of BiH," Kovačević wrote on X. In conclusion, he pointed out that those avoiding dialogue must understand that they cannot run away and have nowhere to run. "They can run as much as they want, but the problems will remain. No matter how much they deceive themselves, it is not possible to find a way out of the crisis without us, unless they are looking for a solution that excludes Republika Srpska. The choice is theirs," Kovačević said. He also shared the text of the "Declaration on the Regulation of Relations in BiH," which was sent yesterday to all parliamentary parties at the level of BiH. The text says that the Declaration was adopted in accordance with the Dayton Agreement, which was signed with the aim of preserving peace and stability, particularly Annex IV, i.e., the Constitution of BiH, and taking into account the messages and positions expressed at the latest session of the UN Security Council, which emphasize the need to reduce political tensions and restore political dialogue to preserve the stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of BiH, as well as emphasizing the condemnation of hate speech, the respect for the constitutional structure and order of BiH, concern over foreign interference in internal processes, and expressing support for BiH's European path and the implementation of reforms in line with European standards. Point 1 - the "Dialogue – the Foundation of Stability" - says, among other things, that political actors in BiH emphasize the need for open dialogue as the basis for responsible political conduct and the stability of BiH. "Dialogue among the key internal actors in BiH - representatives of Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, as well as of Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH - is defined as a key tool for overcoming the constitutional and legal crisis, resolving disagreements, and strengthening trust among the constituent peoples and entities, especially in the context of institutional functioning," the Declaration says in Point 1. Point 2 emphasizes that all actors in BiH commit to acting in accordance with the Constitution of BiH and the Dayton Peace Agreement, and to respecting the legitimate constitutional rights of each of the two entities, the three constituent peoples, and the citizens of BiH. "In this regard, we emphasize the need for institutional dialogue at all levels of government, but without external interference in the sovereignty and internal decisions of political actors in BiH. The stability of BiH is not possible without mutual respect, cooperation, and the rejection of all forms of extremism and political radicalism," the text reads. "Equality and Sovereignty – the Heart of the Dayton Framework" is the title of Point 3 of this Declaration, which says that the three constituent peoples and each of the two entities have the right to equal political representation and participation in decision-making at all levels of government, and that consensus remains the foundation for making key decisions in BiH. "The sovereignty of the entities is guaranteed by the Constitution of BiH and cannot be diminished by unilateral decisions of any body or representative of the international community," the text adds. Point 4 – "End of Foreign Interference: Time for BiH to Reclaim its Sovereignty" - emphasizes that, with the aim of preserving internal stability and political autonomy in BiH, all actors are called upon to respect the sovereignty of the joint institutions and BiH entities, and to bring foreign interventionism to an end. "All forms of pressure or interference by international institutions, organizations, or individuals that are not provided for or elected in accordance with the Dayton Peace Agreement are particularly condemned," the Declaration emphasizes. Point 5 addresses the topic "European Path of BiH – Reforms for a Better Future," saying that political actors in BiH remain committed to the European path and the process of European integration. All political actors pledge to undertake the necessary steps to complete the European integration process as soon as possible. Point 6 of the Declaration says that this document serves as a foundation for continued dialogue, which should begin immediately in order to resolve fundamental issues regarding the functioning of BiH, first and foremost, the respect for the constitutional structure and order of BiH. This includes, among other things, the adoption of the BiH Election Law that would ensure equality of the three constituent peoples in the electoral process, in accordance with the Constitution of BiH. It was also emphasized that an agreement must be reached as soon as possible on the following issues: the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, the Law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council /HJPC/, the Law on the Court of BiH, the Law on the Budget of BiH Institutions and International Obligations for 2025, the appointment of BiH's Chief Negotiator with the EU, the allocation of financial resources, the unblocking of development projects and the establishment of a zero point of contestation for these projects, as well as other ongoing issues. Point 7 of the Declaration emphasizes that this forum, which adopted the text of the Declaration, cannot replace institutions in decision-making and meets as needed, with rotating chairmanship.