SELAK: CLOSURE OF OHR AND DEPARTURE OF FOREIGN JUDGES - MATTER OF LOCAL INSTITUTIONS’ FULL CONSTITUTIONAL MATURITY

BANJA LUKA, FEBRUARY 11 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska Minister of Justice, Goran Selak, said during the talks held with British officials that the closure of the OHR and the departure of foreign judges from the Constitutional Court of BiH are matters of full constitutional maturity and sovereignty of local institutions, and that a sustainable political system can only be built on the basis of an internal agreement among the constituent peoples and entities.

Selak met today in Banja Luka with the Head of the Political Department of the British Embassy, Ed Miles, and the Head of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Desk at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Matthew Jeffries, to discuss current political topics in both Republika Srpska and BiH, with special emphasis on the rule of law, the functioning of institutions, and Republika Srpska competencies preservation. He has emphasized that Republika Srpska remains firmly committed to dialogue, peace, and stability, while at the same time consistently preserving its constitutional and legal position and competencies, which are clearly defined by the Dayton Peace Agreement and the Constitution of BiH as its integral part, the Republika Srpska Ministry of Justice announced. Selak pointed out that the rule of law cannot be selective or based on political interpretations. “It implies consistent respect for the Constitution of BiH in its original text and respect for the clearly established division of competencies. Any deviation from that principle calls into question legal certainty and institutional stability,” Selak stated. He stressed that Republika Srpska remains consistent in respecting international agreements, but also insists on respect for the Dayton Peace Agreement and the original constitutional structure of BiH. The interlocutors agreed that open, institutional, and dialogue based on arguments is necessary for preserving stability and strengthening trust within BiH, the statement added.