International focus on the #Dayton Agreement

An international round table bringing together politicians from Germany, Italy, Belgium, Slovakia and from the European Parliament was organised this week in the Serb Republic ski resort of Jahorina to explore ways to develop Republika Srpska and defend the provisions of the 1995 Dayton Agreement under which the territory is provided with international recognition.

The round table was organised by the Milton Friedman Institute in Italy, as part of a two-day Economic Forum convened by the Presidency of Bosnia. The conference brought together a diverse group of European politicians to explore "new political and media opportunities to preserve the Dayton Agreement.”

"This country can be the Switzerland of the Balkans," said Frank Creyelman, honorary senator in the Parliament of Flanders, Belgium. "But what is not known cannot be loved. More effort needs to be made on social media." Mr. Creyelman went on to say that, as a member of Belgium's Flemish community, he understood, "How difficult it is to live in a superficial construction with different cultures." But he paid credit to the government of Prime Minister Radovan Višković for its efforts to attract investors to Republika Srpska.

German deputy Waldemar Herdt said, "I'm thinking to establish a platform in the Bundestag for co-operation between Germany and the Serb Republic in order to work together for a better relationship on business and political issues.”

Italian MEP Giullia Moi said that she had come to Bosnia to take part in a series of high level meetings with Milorad Dodik, chairman and Serb member of Bosnia's tripartite presidency, about economic development. "I also explained how new media and new technologies could be fundamental for the development of this country, which for years had been battered by wars and conflicts and which was now emerging into lasting peace and socio-economic development.”

Giacomo Bezzi, member of the Parliament of the Autonomous Region of Trentino-South Tyrol, Italy, said, "The model of autonomy in Trentino-South Tyrol is a successful example for Republika Srbska.”

Alessandro Musolino, executive director for foreign policy at the Milton Friedman Institute, Rome, organisers of the event, noted that, "Republika Srbska is itself a successful example under the leadership of President Dodik." He suggested a partnership with Trentino-South Tyrol to promote the territory and to attract investment, adding that, "It is important that there be no foreign interference in domestic affairs."

In conclusion, Valerio Cignetti, Secretary General of the European Alliance of national movements said, “The round table was an interesting experience allowing participants the opportunity to discover the potential of the Republic of Serbia in many different areas. We explored the relationship between this part of Bosnia and the European Union. I personally believe that the EU needs to better understand the situation on the ground, and co-ordinate improved cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Serbia. The development of this part of the Balkan Region must definitely be one of the priorities of the new European Parliament that will be elected on 26th May”.

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