Tineke Strik: It is crucial that EUFOR is ready to protect SIPA during Dodik’s arrest

Sarajevo, (Fena) – Member of the European Parliament Tineke Strik has completed a three-day working visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of a fact-finding mission organized by the European Parliament’s rapporteur for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ondřej Kolář, which was aimed at gathering information and evaluating the current situation in the country.

During the mission, the delegation visited Sarajevo and Banja Luka, where they spoke with representatives of the authorities, the OHR, civil society, political parties, diplomatic missions, and other relevant actors, with the aim of gathering information for the European Parliament’s Annual Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is stated in the announcement.

Strik thanked for the warm welcome from the institutions, politicians, and civil society, but also stated that the conclusion she carries is not positive.

“The country is facing a deep security crisis due to the continuous illegal actions of Milorad Dodik. This could escalate into a rule of law crisis if he is not quickly arrested. Therefore, it is crucial that EUFOR is ready to protect SIPA during Dodik’s arrest. This should be operationally decided, as it is clear within the mandate of EUFOR,” Strik stated at the conclusion of her visit to BiH.

She emphasized that the policy of appeasement that has brought us to this moment must be permanently rejected.

“It is clear that the country is firmly held by an ethnonationalist, corrupt elite that has only one interest – the preservation of its own power. A strong and clear role for the EU is needed to promote the interests of citizens and ensure the full and unhindered implementation of all judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. The international community, including the EU, must increase financial and political support for civil society and journalists, who face enormous pressures as the first line of defense for democracy in BiH. This is the only path that leads us to true democracy and the European path that citizens so desire,” said Tineke Strik. (10.04.)