Hahn Warns Political Leaders Over Block 7: BiH Will Have to Pay a Billion Euros for Pollution

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The meeting between European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn and representatives of 19 parliamentary parties has concluded.

SDA President Bakir Izetbegović was the first to address the journalists, stating that it was interesting to sit among so many party representatives.

"Block 7 was discussed. Hahn warned us that BiH will have to allocate a billion marks to the EU due to pollution. I hope we will form a government quickly," said Izetbegović, adding that BiH should continue to move towards NATO.

Nermin Nikšić, leader of the SDP, then commented on the meeting, stating that the announced joint declaration was not signed today and remarked that "it is not correct to share responsibility between the government and the opposition.".

Nikšić says that Block 7 is a matter of energy stability.

Leader of the Socialist Party of Republika Srpska, Petar Đokić, said that economic development is the most important, but that there are many issues on which an agreement can be reached.

"It is not correct to ask to abandon Block 7, as it will be built to the highest European standards," Đokić added.

SNSD Vice-President Marko Vidaković said that general principles were discussed.

"We talked about the new Council of Ministers. It is unacceptable for the Council of Ministers to work in a technical mandate, and we demand that a new one be formed as soon as possible to start solving problems," Vidaković said after the meeting.

SDS Leader Vukota Govedarica says that the parties received a statement which they reviewed, as there are certain remarks that need to be harmonized.

"It is evident that citizens are leaving the country and we do not have sufficient economic growth," Govedarica added.

He emphasized that the concept of fighting corruption needs to be changed and that he advocates for the depoliticization of public enterprises.

"I believe we can reach a unified document that can improve the economic situation," Govedarica told journalists in Sarajevo.