Čović: Our positions with SDA and SDP on state property are aligned

(Patria) - President of HDZ BiH Dragan Čović held a press conference after an expanded session of the party's Presidency, where he outlined key political steps for the upcoming period.

Special focus was placed on resolving the issue of state property and the Southern Gas Interconnection project.

Čović revealed that the ultimate goal is to sign an agreement between the Government of Croatia and the Council of Ministers of BiH in Dubrovnik at the end of April.

He emphasized the need for parallel resolution of these issues in order to unblock development processes in the country.

"When we talked with the US administration, both in Zagreb and Sarajevo, we identified the issue of state property as one of the vital problems, a potential obstacle to the realization of this and many other projects. We then asked for a solution to be found. I don't know exactly what the representatives of the Quint have done, but I hope they will come up with a concrete solution. I listened to the remarks of colleagues from SDA and SDP on this topic, and I think we have aligned positions. What is in the interest of Bosnia and Herzegovina should be protected, while on the other hand, all other levels of government should be enabled to function in accordance with the Constitution of BiH," said Čović.

"My request was that the Southern Gas Interconnection and state property issues be handled simultaneously, because it is clear that the issue of state property is an obstacle to investments throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Huge funds are predominantly tied up around public interest projects," said Čović.

The final goal is to sign an agreement between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Council of Ministers of BiH on this matter at the end of April. The idea is to sign it at the Dubrovnik forum, where representatives of the American administration will also be present, Čović announced.

The leader of HDZ also touched upon economic issues, expressing regret over the delay in abolishing excise duties on fuel.

Answering journalists' questions about the NIP initiative to request taxation of betting shops in FBiH, Čović said that betting must be reduced to the "smallest possible measure", but that in this process "there must be no chaotic action".

Čović expressed his expectation that amendments to the Law on the Southern Gas Interconnection will be adopted very soon in the FBiH Parliament.

The President of HDZ BiH condemned fan incidents in BiH, especially recent events in Herzegovina.

"It is best for those in charge to resolve it beyond any speculation. We need peace and stability in BiH. There are challenges, and there will be more. All those who lead fan groups must be mindful, as well as security institutions," said Čović.