Following the reactions of British parliamentarians, the British Foreign Office also issued a statement, confirming its support for Bosnia and Herzegovina and its constitutional order.The UK Government shares the Bosnia UK Network’s concerns about the irresponsible and unconstitutional actions of Milorad Dodik and the Republika Srpska leadership, which constitute a direct attack on the Dayton Peace Agreement and the constitutional framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a long-standing partner of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UK, together with US and European allies, underlines the importance of respecting the rule of law, its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and its support for the Dayton Peace Agreement and the role of the High Representative.
The Bosnian-Herzegovinian community in the UK has sent a series of letters to British parliamentarians and the UK Government, expressing serious concerns about the secessionist activities of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik. In response, more letters of support have been received from British parliamentarians, and now an official response from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
“Dodik remains under UK sanctions for his past attempts to undermine institutions. The best response to Dodik’s rhetoric and actions is to deliver concrete results that support citizens while strengthening the integrity and stability of the state. This is crucial as BiH progresses on its Euro-Atlantic path. The UK, US and EU are united in their support for a more secure, stable and prosperous BiH and will continue to work actively together to achieve that goal.” – stated the response of the UK Foreign Office, which we attach.
BH UK Network thanks the UK Government for its continued support for Bosnia and Herzegovina and its fight against Milorad Dodik’s secessionist activities. We particularly appreciate the fact that during discussions in the United Nations Security Council and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the UK Government has been vocal in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH, the Dayton Peace Agreement and the rule of law.
BH UK Network
Dear Dr. Anes Cerić,
Thank you for your letter of 8 March regarding the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The Ministerial and Official Correspondence Team at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Department (FCDO) is responsible for your response.
The UK Government shares your concern about the irresponsible and unconstitutional actions of the President of Republika Srpska (RS), Milorad Dodik, and the wider RS leadership, which constitute a direct attack on the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) and the constitutional framework of BiH. The UK, together with our US and European allies, has already issued strong statements stressing the importance of respecting the rule of law, our commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH, and our support for the Dayton Peace Agreement and the role of the High Representative. The Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty MP, reiterated these messages to the BiH Foreign Minister, Elmedin Konaković, during their conversation on 10 March, as did the Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Dame Karen Pierce, during her contact with the High Representative on 13 March. The UK Government remains in close contact with the EU Delegation, the US and wider international partners as the situation develops.
Outside of BiH, we are committed to engaging with leaders of countries in the region, including Serbia and Hungary, calling on them to use their influence to encourage constructive action by politicians in BiH and to refrain from actions that could undermine the constitutional framework of BiH.
We have also taken steps to counter destabilising reactions from other countries, including Russia’s efforts to amplify Dodik’s unfounded claim that the RS is under attack on the international stage. During discussions in the United Nations Security Council and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the UK Government has been vocal in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH, the DPA and the rule of law. We have also reiterated that the signatories to the DPA are legally obliged to respect the political independence of BiH and called on the international community to refrain from unwarranted interference in its internal affairs.
Moreover, the UK supports local actors, including the Constitutional Court of BiH, in their efforts to overturn unconstitutional laws and protect state institutions from attempts to undermine them. Dodik remains under UK sanctions for his past attempts to undermine institutions, and we will continue to challenge those who seek to undermine the legitimacy and functionality of BiH.
In the meantime, we strongly support all political actors, at state and entity level, who are working to deliver benefits for the citizens of BiH. The best response to Dodik’s rhetoric and actions is to deliver concrete results that support citizens while strengthening the integrity and stability of the state. This is crucial as BiH progresses on its Euro-Atlantic path. The UK, US and EU are united in their support for a more secure, stable and prosperous BiH and will continue to actively work together to achieve this goal.
Respectfully,
Ministerial and Official Correspondence Team
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Department
