DECLARATION ADOPTED IN DAYTON: Serbia’s Amendment to Criticisms of Republic of Srpska Rejected

At the spring session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, marking the 30th anniversary of the signing of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina in Dayton, a Declaration was adopted expressing deep and serious concern over the actions of the Republic of Srpska (RS). The Declaration claims that these actions undermine the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the Dayton Peace Agreement.

Article 22 of the Declaration emphasizes the importance of enhancing defense capabilities and highlights the significance of stability and peace in the Western Balkans. It expresses grave concern over recent legislative measures and initiatives in the RS entity, which are assessed to undermine and threaten the constitutional order, sovereignty, and territorial and functional integrity of BiH, as well as the Dayton Peace Agreement.

Serbia submitted an amendment to this article, seeking the removal of references to the Republic of Srpska. However, the amendment was rejected, as reported by Sarajevo’s Oslobođenje.

NATO Parliamentary Assembly Vice President Agnes Vadai, following the rejection of the amendment, expressed support for a unified Bosnia and Herzegovina.

U.S. Congressman and Chairman of the U.S. Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Mike Turner, along with NATO Parliamentary Assembly President Marcos Perestrelo, issued a joint statement in which they assessed the situation in BiH and “warned of destabilizing factors.”

“Complex challenges remain. BiH stands at a critical crossroads. We are deeply concerned by the secessionist rhetoric and actions emanating from the RS entity, which jeopardize the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional order of the state,” they stated in the announcement.

They welcomed “the strong and unified stance of the United States and European leaders in unequivocally condemning this dangerous and destabilizing behavior.”

“Their clear determination to oppose such actions and prevent the emergence of a security vacuum in the region is both necessary and commendable,” they emphasized.

Turner and Perestrelo cautioned that a return to instability and violence is not an option.

“We call on all political actors in BiH to engage in constructive dialogue, in good faith and with full respect for the Constitution. It is essential to uphold the rule of law, advance necessary reforms, and, above all, strengthen the cohesion of the country and the integrity of its institutions,” they stated.

Turner and Perestrelo highlighted that “these efforts are crucial for the progress of BiH’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.”