Helez: If allegations are proven true, criminal charges and dismissal of Goganović will follow

(Patria) - BiH Minister of Defence Zukan Helez was a guest on FTV's Dnevnik 2 tonight, where he spoke about the (non)functioning of state-level government, the Resolution on the Genocide in Srebrenica, the security situation, and other topics.

When asked if there is a state coalition, or who is obstructing the functioning of the government, Helez stated that a parliamentary majority exists, and that the Council of Ministers of BiH is functioning.

- The Council of Ministers holds regular sessions. The content of the agenda is determined at the Collegium, and the political majority holds regular meetings.

The blockade of rights occurred a few years ago when the Council of Ministers did not function for over half a year, and now it is functioning.

We have two laws that are crucial for the European path, the details are in question, but that is being hindered - says Helez.

Regarding the budget, Helez says that the Minister of Finance assured him that the document would not be on the agenda for some professional reasons, but it is evident, he claims, that there is an obstruction behind it.

- I told them - do not do that, I will call the people who are responsible for unblocking all of this, obstruction is punishable, the High Representative should react. There was no budget today either, it is clear that there are blockades on the scene again - Helez points out.

He assesses that the non-adoption of the budget will not affect the situation in the Armed Forces of BiH.

- We have money. Of course, it will slightly affect new projects, but we will catch up if it is adopted within a month.

The Armed Forces of BiH are functioning because we had a good budget last year. Everything is proceeding regularly and normally - Helez assures.

He also spoke about the Resolution on the Genocide in Srebrenica, and when asked if he expects any political or security destabilization in BiH after its adoption, he said:

"There is no politician in the world who has said that an entire nation will be accused by this resolution. Only Aleksandar Vučić and Milorad Dodik are saying that.

When we analyze all of this, we come to the conclusion that it is some political game. Cheap political points and raising national tensions before the elections in Serbia. It will be adopted. And I call on them to finally admit that genocide happened".

The BiH Minister of Defence recently visited three sites where crimes were committed against Croats, Serbs, and Bosniaks - Sijekovac, Ahatovići, and Grabovica. He says that with this act, he wanted to convey that every victim is a victim.

- Every politician in BiH should bow to innocent victims, these people are not guilty of being killed. As long as we only consider certain victims as victims, we cannot move forward - says Helez.

His deputy, Aleksandar Goganović, bowed and paid respects in front of the monument to convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić. Helez explained how he perceived that act.

- I had a conversation with the Commander of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces and the deputy from the Serb people. They are convincing me that there is a cap there that was worn by Serbian officers in World War I and now by officers of the Army of Republika Srpska.

However, today I read that there is also some quote by Ratko Mladić there. I have instructed the inspectorate, as the law and the Constitution require, to investigate it.

If this is a tribute or a nod to Mladić, I will file criminal charges and we will initiate the dismissal procedure for Goganović. That case is not closed, we will not overlook it - Helez concluded.