Bosnian Serb parliament's decisions harm peace agreement: Top official

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - A recent set of steps taken by the Bosnian Serb parliament that would strengthen a secessionist bid to withdraw from state-level institutions violates the Dayton Peace Agreement, a top official said Monday.

''I strongly condemn the acts adopted by the Republika Srpska (RS) National Assembly on Friday,” said Christian Schmidt, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The adopted conclusions oblige the RS authorities to take concrete legislative and other actions that would violate the General Framework Agreement for Peace. The radical political activities and rhetoric of the last several days threaten stability in Bosnia-Herzegovina and undermine the perspectives of all citizens, including in Republika Srpska,” Schmidt added.

Schmidt urged the parties to abide by the articles of the peace agreement and dialogue.

"I call for full respect of the General Framework Agreement. All parties must work within this framework to reach legal decisions in the spirit of compromise."

The National Assembly of Republika Srpska, one of Bosnia-Herzegovina's two entities, convened an extraordinary session in Banja Luka, the administrative capital.

During the session, it was decided to draft a new Constitution, with Banja Luka proposed to become the capital of Republika Srpska.

In addition, within six months, the government of Republika Srpska must create legislation and regulations governing the security, defense, tax administration and judicial system.

The embassies of the US, England, France, Germany and Italy in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union delegation sharply criticized the move and urged the assembly to abandon this decision.

- Political dispute

Bosnia-Herzegovina is currently embroiled in a political conflict between Bosniaks and Serbs living in the country.

The dispute erupted after Valentin Inzko, the former high representative for Bosnia-Herzegovina, amended the criminal code in July to ban the denial of genocide and the glorification of war criminals.

In response, Bosnian Serb lawmakers said they would boycott the country's institutions.

Milorad Dodik, the Serb member of the presidential council, denounced the amendments and pushed for the controversial moves in the Republika Srpska parliament.