Members of the BiH Presidency to Citizens: Let's Show Responsibility and Unity

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Members of the BiH Presidency Šefik Džaferović, Željko Komšić, and Milorad Dodik issued a joint public statement this evening. We are publishing the statement in its entirety and without intervention.

Dear Citizens,

The number of coronavirus infections in our country is growing. Unfortunately, the virus has claimed its first lives. We express our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased. The coronavirus epidemic in our country has not yet reached its peak. Difficult days lie ahead. The situation is extraordinary and requires decisive measures to avoid the catastrophic consequences we are witnessing in some other countries.

All levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina have taken and are taking all necessary steps to save lives and protect people's health. This is the priority of all priorities. At the same time, steps are being taken to mitigate the inevitable economic impact. Governments at all levels, healthcare workers, police officers, soldiers, inspectors, people engaged in civil protection, and everyone else are making enormous efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

We congratulate them on this.

However, all these efforts will not yield results if the orders, measures, and recommendations are not fully respected and if every person does not show personal responsibility. Both towards themselves, towards their family members, and towards other people. That is why we call on you once again to strictly adhere to all prescribed orders, measures, and recommendations, as this is the only way to overcome the evil that has befallen us. The absolute majority of you are doing this, and for that, we, the members of the BiH Presidency, thank you.

However, there are still those who irresponsibly violate the prescribed measures. Such individuals deserve the strictest sanctions. Therefore, we call on the competent institutions to do so without delay, in accordance with the applicable laws.

Aware that every country is facing problems caused by the pandemic, we, as the Presidency of BiH, and each of us individually, are taking all necessary steps on the international level to secure assistance or purchase necessary medical equipment to strengthen our healthcare system. Other levels of government and institutions are also working on this. Some countries have already provided assistance, some are preparing assistance, we are talking with numerous friends, all based on the needs expressed by our medical institutions. Bosnia and Herzegovina has not been and will not be without the help of our friends this time either, and we will certainly know how to appreciate that.

We also support the efforts made by domestic companies in the production of protective and other medical equipment, food, and disinfectants.

Dear Citizens,

We call on you to have confidence in the institutions of the system, to follow their orders and instructions, and to adhere to the prescribed measures. Let's save lives and health. Let's show responsibility, solidarity, and unity, as this is the condition for overcoming the challenge we face.