High Representative Christian Schmidt addressed a letter to eljka Cvijanovi, a member of the BiH Presidency, saying that her reference to the September protest as a trial run is an implicit threat of confrontation and violence, and as such is in itself dangerous. In his letter, the High Representative declared that it is irresponsible to support, with one's presence, divisive political events staged on the Inter-Entity Boundary Line. The IEBL is not a state border, but a border line between the Federation of BiH and the Republika Srpska.
You signed an oath to respect Bosnia and Herzegovina's Constitution, implement the General Framework Agreement for Peace and its annexes, safeguard human rights and basic freedoms, and take care of the interests and equality of all peoples and citizens, as a member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I remind you of the responsibility you bear for your position.
In respect of the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is inevitable to stage, and with your presence, divisive political events at the Inter-Entity Boundary Line. The IEBL is not a state border, but a border line between the Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Associating the term 'border' to Republika Srpska as a country is clearly causing the wrong impression, that there are state boundaries within Bosnia and Herzegovina which is directly violating the General Framework Agreement for Peace.
The consequences of these irresponsible statements by high BiH officials can be seen on billboards as well as in the Republic of Srpska.
The Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina also ruled that the IEBL should not be considered as a border.
September as a 'trial run' is an implicit threat of conflict and violence, and as such is in itself dangerous. Protests staged in the meantime are already an acceptable follow-up to your commitment.
On another subject, I should remind you of your obligation to implement the General Framework Agreement for Peace and its annexes in their entirety. The obligation entails working with the High Representative, respecting his decisions, and facilitating his operations. The response that you received from the Secretary-General of the United Nations in this regard is not only explicit, but also leaves no room for dilemma or misinterpretation, and there can be no error in respecting me as the appointed High Representative.
As the High Representative, I therefore call on you to rectify your conduct and not act in a manner that would constitute or contribute to a violation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which you are bound to uphold. This is in particular linked to any suggestions of statehood of the entity of Republika Srpska - an entity such as the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina within the Bosnia and Herzegovina sovereign and independent state of Bosnia and Herzegovina and that only exists legally by virtue of the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
I call you to respect Bosnia and Herzegovina's obligations under international law and the duties of your office.