The adoption of the Resolution on Strengthening the Political Position of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Croatian Parliament does not represent an expression of good-neighbourly cooperation. On the contrary, it is an unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of the sovereign and independent state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Such actions are not in accordance with the fundamental principles of international law, including the principles of the sovereign equality of states and non-interference in their internal affairs, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN).
The Republic of
Croatia has no right to interfere in the internal affairs of the sovereign
state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Matters concerning the internal political and
constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina may be decided exclusively by
its state institutions, in accordance with the Constitution of Bosnia and
Herzegovina and the applicable laws.
The contemporary
international order rests on the UN Charter, which in Article 2, among other
things, affirms the principles of the sovereign equality of all states, respect
for their political independence and territorial integrity, as well as the
obligation to refrain from actions that intrude upon matters within the
domestic jurisdiction of another state. The Declaration on Principles of
International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States
in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations (the 1970 Declaration)
further elaborates these principles. Namely, the 1970 Declaration affirms that
every form of political, economic, or other pressure aimed at influencing the
free exercise of another state's sovereign rights, or at altering decisions it
makes within its exclusive jurisdiction, is prohibited. Likewise, the 1975
Helsinki Final Act, among the ten fundamental principles of European security,
affirms the sovereign equality of states, the inviolability of borders,
territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and the obligation
of states to develop their mutual relations in a spirit of mutual respect and
good-neighbourly cooperation. These principles today constitute universally
accepted rules of international law and are binding on all states.
Bosnia and
Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia share a common interest in developing
their relations on the foundations of international law, mutual respect, and
good-neighbourly cooperation. Respect for public international law cannot be
selective, nor can it depend on political circumstances. The principles of
sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, and
non-interference in the internal affairs of states constitute the norms upon
which the international legal order rests. Their consistent observance is not
an expression of political goodwill, but an obligation of every state under
international law.