Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova on the EU reaction to developments in the Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
We have noted the statement by the EU Delegation in Sarajevo on the actions of law enforcement authorities of the Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) regarding participants of unauthorised demonstrations held in Banja Luka on 25 December 2018.
The European Union, constantly referring to alleged “third countries’ intrigues” in the Balkans, really meddles ones again in domestic affairs of sovereign states. In this particular case Brussels, purposefully rocking “the Serbian boat”, provokes dangerous tensions in the region, de facto encourages forces aiming at undermining the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina of 1995.
We urge the European Union to ensure that the EU Delegation in Sarajevo strictly observes its mandate in the future and gives up its mentorship approach to events in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Especially since the principle of transferring responsibility for the situation in the country to local authorities has been repeatedly confirmed by UN Security Council Resolutions and communiqués of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council for BiH.
