Ivanić: Russia stands behind a whole BiH, but opposes the demonization of Republika Srpska

(Patria) - Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mladen Ivanić told reporters in Sarajevo after a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that the members of the Presidency discussed several important topics with the Russian guest.

In the context of European Union sanctions against Russia, Ivanić said, there is great potential for "the engagement of our people", adding that Russia is interested in economic cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"The issue of the entry of the Russian writer into BiH (Zakhar Prilepin) was also discussed, and it was stated more than clearly that these matters will be discussed within security organizations that have good cooperation," Ivanić told reporters in the building of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Speaking about Lavrov's visit to Banja Luka, which will follow the meetings in Sarajevo, Ivanić said it is good that the Russian diplomat is visiting Banja Luka, adding that other international officials should also visit Banja Luka, "just as they should visit Mostar."

"It was stated more than clearly that Russia stands behind the entirety of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but emphasizes that it is against the demonization of the entity established by the Dayton Agreement. I think this is more than correct on the Russian side," said Ivanić.

The BiH Presidency member added that before today's meeting in Sarajevo with the Russian official, Russia had offered to hold a meeting of Turkey, Russia, Serbia, and BiH to discuss regional topics, "but Bakir Izetbegović was not in favor of that for some reason."