HIGH REPRESENTATIVE SCHMIDT CALLS PARTIES FBIH TO AGREEMENT: THIS IS THE LAST CALL, I EXPECT SOLUTION

SARAJEVO, APRIL 7 (ONASA) – High Representative Christian Schmidt addressed the media today at a press conference in front of the OHR building.
At the beginning of his address, he said that the constitutional deadline for the formation of the FBiH Government has expired and that the elections cannot be fully implemented, even though there is the support of the majority in both houses of the Parliament for the appointment.
“The election results cannot be fully implemented even though there is the support of the majority in both houses of the parliament for the vote in the Government. I will remind all political actors of their responsibility to enable government institutions to do their job,” said Schmidt at the beginning.
“Especially, bearing in mind that the continuation of the current FBiH Government, which is in a technical mandate, would not be in accordance with democratic practice and would not reflect the will of the voters. The FBiH is in a political deadlock and split between political blocs, because this is not about a fundamental disagreement with other citizens living in the FBiH”, said Schmidt and emphasized that this is about the struggle of political parties for power, and not about the struggle for survival of the people.
“Constituent nations and Others have their place based on what is provided in the Constitution and that must be respected. But the struggle between political parties, which is a struggle for power and supremacy, must be resolved. Maximalist demands, intimidation tactics and non-acceptance of political reality will not help FBiH to move forward,” said Schmidt and added that most of the people he met were ready to move forward and cooperate with each other only if the politicians would stop telling them they couldn’t do it.
“The current stalemate cannot last. The will of the voters expressed in the October elections must be translated into political reality, otherwise democracy has no meaning here. FBiH must function because we need a strong Federation for the functioning of the state. The citizens of this country deserve a future and progress here in their own country. Too much has been called into question for this situation to continue. This country now has the chance provided through candidate status for future EU membership and must now use it for the benefit of its citizens. Responsible politicians should put aside their party and individual interests and recognize the higher interests of the FBiH, the state and citizens, said Schmidt and said that he expects the politicians to find a solution to the blockade as soon as possible.
“They must work constructively, regardless of whether they are in power or in the opposition. The opposition is an inseparable part of democracy. I expect the politicians to find a solution to this blockade and continue as soon as possible with the formation of a government that has the support of the parliamentary majority. This is their obligation to the voters. Regardless of who this applies to, this is a final call to come to their senses. I expect this to be successfully resolved soon. There will be no additional final calls, Schmidt said at the end.