SRPSKA WILL NOT GIVE UP ITS AUTHORITIES

BANJA LUKA, DECEMBER 15 /SRNA/ – The Speaker of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska Nenad Stevandić said at a meeting with French Ambassador to BiH Francois Delmas that Republika Srpska will not renounce its constitutional powers, including its property, and has no intention of imposing political decisions on other constituent peoples.

Stevandić warned of extremely harmful interference by actors from outside BiH in its internal political affairs and the taking of sides, assessing that such actions directly undermine stability, the National Assembly of Republika Srpska said in a statement. At the meeting in Banja Luka, Stevandić and Delmas discussed the current political situation in Republika Srpska and BiH. Stevandić emphasized that Republika Srpska does not create crises or conflicts, but consistently insists on dialogue and on preserving institutional balance in a way that is not to its detriment. He added that Republika Srpska must be engaged through its representatives, rather than spoken about as an object, and that it responsibly and consistently protects its constitutional and legal position in accordance with the Constitution of BiH. Stevandić said that all activities of Republika Srpska institutions are carried out in substantive compliance with the Constitution of BiH and the Constitution of Republika Srpska, with full respect for constitutional competences. Addressing economic issues, Stevandić noted that Republika Srpska has significant investment potential, but is often exposed to discrimination through political blockades and pressure, which are a direct consequence of political bias in BiH and have a negative impact on its economic development.