Cero for N1: What is the real nature of Lajčak's actions in BiH

(Patria) - Muharem Cero, an expert on Bosnia and Herzegovina's state property issues, believes it would be useful to know what Miroslav Lajčak's presumed actions are in relation to BiH. In a conversation with N1, he questioned why Lajčak did not have his first meeting with BiH officials with the members of the Presidency.

Lajčak, the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, met yesterday, we remind you, with Zoran Tegeltija, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH, and as Cero pointed out to N1, any potential involvement in BiH's internal political issues is outside his mandate.

"Miroslav Lajčak's first meeting yesterday with Zoran Tegeltija, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was accompanied by a very brief statement from the Chairman's Cabinet. It can be read from it that Lajčak, either in his capacity as former High Representative in BiH, which should not be unusual, or in his capacity as Special Representative, is interested in the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and proposes the continuation of socio-economic measures for the European path of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the situation in the country in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. None of this is controversial, but it is a bit unusual for the introductory meeting of an EU representative to be at a lower level than the one responsible for foreign policy and who symbolizes the sovereignty of a state, which is the Presidency," Cero told N1.

According to him, Lajčak's mandate is "quite descriptive" and in one part relates to resolving issues in relations in the Balkans.

"It is unknown so far whether Lajčak had any meeting with the members of the Presidency. However, we did not learn about it in the public space. If we consider Miroslav Lajčak's new mandate, it is quite broad, descriptive, and besides resolving the Kosovo issue and promoting European political stances, it also includes a part related to the Balkans and resolving relations between partners in the Balkans in order to harmonize good neighborly relations and reconciliation. It is clear that in terms of regional partners, states are implied, and that mandate implies resolving issues between entities formed by the dissolution of Yugoslavia. It does not imply entering into the internal affairs of newly formed countries, but rather resolving relations between newly formed states. If we were to seek answers to the problems that slow down reconciliation in the Balkans and hinder the establishment of good relations, then from the discourse of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it would be a different kind of problem. Some kind of agenda would be resolving border issues, implementing the international agreement on succession, and one of the key problems is the non-compliance with the rulings of the Hague Tribunal for committed crimes. In my opinion, these are three key problems where Lajčak could contribute to removing mistrust and establishing good interstate relations with his engagement. Any involvement in the internal political affairs of BiH is outside Lajčak's mandate," our interlocutor assessed.

"It would be good to know what Miroslav Lajčak's presumed actions are in his mandate in relation to BiH," Cero added for N1.

Finally, he emphasizes that the conversation is a good thing, while assessing that the meeting "does not suggest that things will move in this direction, but rather could move in a direction that further complicates the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina."

"Especially if Miroslav Lajčak were to maintain some positions from the mandate period of 2007-2009, when, as High Representative of the Peace Implementation Council, he promoted some principles that remained alive and multiplied after his departure. I am primarily referring to the implementation of the Constitutional Court's ruling on state property, as well as the ruling on agricultural land. If he wants to help stabilize the region, then he should help implement these rulings and enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to affirm its full subjectivity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," Cero noted.

We remind you that Tegeltija and Lajčak spoke yesterday. As subsequently announced by the Chairman's Cabinet, the topics mainly concerned the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, strengthening the economy, and European integration.