CLARIFICATION OF EU’S POSITION ON OHR AFTER COMMENTS OF PRIME MINISTER OF REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA VIŠKOVIĆ, WHO MISREPRESENTED WORDS OF AMBASSADOR SATTLER

SARAJEVO, OCTOBER 25 (ONASA) – Yesterday, after the meeting with the Head of the European Union Delegation/Special Representative of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Johann Sattler, the Prime Minister of the Republika Srpska, Radovan Višković, misrepresented the words of Ambassador Sattler and the position of the European Union on the Office of the High representative (OHR).
The European Union supports the mission of High Representative Schmidt and his Office.
The threats to High Representative Schmidt, the campaign to undermine his legitimacy by the leadership of the RS, the undermining of the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the actions and rhetoric of division are unacceptable.
During the meeting, Ambassador Sattler recalled the long-standing position of the European Union, that is, that it will be necessary to fulfill Agenda 5+2 on the European road, which will enable the closure of the OHR.
In principle, extensive international supervision and the use of executive powers are incompatible with EU membership. Executive powers are also a last resort.
In addition, Ambassador Sattler emphasized that the criminalization of defamation, as well as the Draft Law, which limits the freedom of civil society, represent major steps backwards for fundamental freedoms, which are a key element of 14 key priorities. He strongly called for the Draft Law on Civil Society to be immediately withdrawn from the legislative procedure.
The Ambassador of the European Union also called on President Višković to ensure that the current opportunities provided by the new momentum of the enlargement of the European Union are used.
The European Union expects support for reforms that will enable progress on the way to the EU, such as the Law on Courts and the Law on Conflict of Interest, and the introduction of electronic signatures.
Reforms to strengthen democracy and human rights, fight against corruption, improve the business climate and support the green and digital transition are the only way to a more stable and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina and a future in the European Union, announced the Delegation of the European Union and the Office of the Special Representative of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina.