The Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, France and Italy, the Charge d’Affaires of the German Embassy, the Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation and the Acting Head of the Banja Luka branch office of the U.S. Embassy today met RS President Milorad Dodik to underscore the seriousness with which members of the international community view the current challenge posed by the scheduled referendum in Republika Srpska. The Ambassadors emphasized points outlined in the prior statement of the PIC, and urged President Dodik not to hold the referendum or otherwise undermine the authority of the Constitutional Court. The meeting took place in a frank and constructive atmosphere, howe‎ver, substantial disagreements on important issues remain.

Ambassadors reiterated that the Dayton Peace Agreement states clearly that decisions made by the Constitutional Court of BiH are final and binding. No referendum can change this. Ambassadors noted that the Constitutional Court will deliberate on 17 September on referendum related cases, and stressed that the Court’s decisions must be respected.

President Dodik told the Ambassadors that the Government of Republika Srpska was committed to implementing the decision of the Constitutional Court of BiH through proposing to the RSNA in the next days changes to the RS Law on Public Holidays to bring it into line with the BiH Constitution. We look forward to initial steps in this direction, keeping in mind that only the Constitutional Court can determine if its ruling has been implemented.

Ambassadors also stressed to President Dodik, as they did to the Chair of the BiH Presidency Bakir Izetbegovic on 6 September, that political leaders on all sides must stop inflaming the situation through irresponsible rhetoric and actions.  It is time for politicians to start talking to each other, rather than solely through the press. Through constructive dialogue and a willingness to compromise, this issue can be resolved lawfully, fairly and responsibly.

Finally, Ambassadors confirmed their unequivocal commitment to the General Framework Agreement for Peace, under which entities have no right to secede. There will be no redrawing of the map of Bosnia and Herzegovina.