US designates 3 Republika Srpska officials for undermining Dayton Peace Agreement

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US on Wednesday designated three officials from the Republika Srpska for undermining peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina by organizing and executing the commemoration of "Republika Srpska Day" on Jan. 9.

"This activity represents (Republika Srpska President Milorad) Dodik’s latest effort to undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement, the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitutional Court, and the authority of the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, posing a significant risk to regional peace and stability," the Treasury Department said in a statement.

The designated individuals are Branislav Okuka, who is accused of being closely involved with the planning and execution of the controversial "Republika Srpska Day" and responsible for boosting attendance at the celebration; Jelena Pajic Bastinac, who serves as Secretary General for the President of the Republika Srpska and Srebrenka Golic, current chair of the People’s Council of the Republika Srpska.

“The United States is deeply concerned about the continued attempts to undermine the Dayton Peace Accords and the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitution, two critical institutions that have been instrumental to peace and stability in the region,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson. “We will continue to hold to account those who seek to sow division to achieve their own political aims at the expense of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

The State Department said it condemns efforts to undermine regional peace frameworks and norms in the Western Balkans.

"The Dayton Peace Agreement and the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina are essential to peace and stability in the country, and we will continue to impose costs on those who seek to erode these authorities," spokesman Matt Miller said in a statement.