The Republika Srpska celebrated its national day on Monday 9 January and European External Action Service spokesperson Maja Kocijancic called for respect of the institutions in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The constitutional court said that the national day celebration ran counter to the country's constitution as it was deemed to be discriminatory towards non-Serbian people.
"What is important for us is the appropriate operation of democratic institutions, including the implementation of decisions from the constitutional court", Kocijancic told media. "We urge all the political leaders in Bosnia-Herzegovina to avoid speech that is divisive and to focus on the vital political and economic reforms", she added.
Kocijancic underlined the Council's regrets about a referendum being held on 26 September on the continuation of this national day. Over 99% of voters in the referendum said they wanted the national day to continue (see EUROPE 11633). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)