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Joint Statement by the Embassies of the U.S., U.K., France, Germany and Italy
and the EU Delegation/EU Special Representative in BiH
3 MINUTE READ
February 14, 2020

Press Releases image with blue background and U.S. flag on the left. Under the flag: "US Embassy Bosnia & Herzegovina."

Our goal is a stable, functional and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina, in which everyone can be fulfilled and enjoy the full protection of the law. Unilateral withdrawal from institutions, or blockages of decision-making within them, are unacceptable and counter-productive from any side and would only undermine the very improvements and progress that citizens wish to see.  They bear real life consequences when it comes to BiH’s relationships with other countries and the international community.  It also sends a negative sign to investors, as well as to the citizens of BiH, who are electing to leave the country.

Decisions of the BiH Constitutional Court, as decisions of any Constitutional Court in any country, are final and binding, and must be implemented. There have been far too many instances where this has not been the case.

Solutions to the composition of the Constitutional Court are possible within the prescribed procedures and along the wider reforms proposed by the EU for the accession process, such as the latest Opinion and the the Priebe report.

Discussing such possibilities among political parties and in Parliament, through compromise and dialogue, is the best way to strengthen the rule of law and move the country forward to a point which will no longer require international supervision, thanks to the existence of an independent judiciary and clear division of powers.

We remain available to support any genuine efforts to find a positive way forward.