Ivanić: Serbia will not jeopardize its EU path because of Dodik

Early elections are being held in Belgrade tomorrow, and most analysts and polls indicate that Aleksandar Vučić (President of the Serbian Progressive Party, editorial note) and the SNS could win a large number of votes. However, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the most discussed topic is the possible change in Serbia's policy towards our country, due to the special "climate" prevailing in RS led by Milorad Dodik.

The leader of the Party of Democratic Progress (PDP), Mladen Ivanić, however, does not think so, and is convinced that Serbia will not jeopardize its path to the European Union because of Dodik.

- I do not expect changes regarding the relationship between Serbia and BiH. Serbia is moving quite seriously towards what is called the European path. Serbia is committed to progress towards Europe. A prerequisite for this is also correct cooperation with neighbors. So I see no reason why there would be problems – Ivanić told the Patria News Agency.

He further told NAP that, on the contrary, he thinks relations can improve, but that it primarily depends on the political elites in BiH.

- Due to some prejudices that political elites have towards both Vučić and Tomislav Nikolić (President of Serbia, editorial note), but I don't think there are any reasons for that. I think it is an artificial thesis that is a consequence of some past times, and I would say that once you get into a corner, it is difficult to get out of it. And at one time, leaders in BiH had a negative attitude and now they cannot overcome it – Ivanić added.

Ivanić sees the calling of early elections in Serbia as a consequence of political circumstances and adds that it is evident that the SNS is in the best position and that the elections are extremely good for them at this moment.

- They will certainly have an extremely good result, and I am convinced that they will strengthen their power. I think these elections will show the fragmentation of what is called the opposition, that there is no real alternative visible at this moment. And I am convinced that the dominance of the SNS will last for the next, if not eight, then at least four years – Ivanić added.