Izetbegović at Congress: Relax relations with HDZ, set boundaries for Dodik

SARAJEVO, (Patria) – Bakir Izetbegović, SDA President, addressed the 7th SDA Congress. He noted that relations in the triangle BiH, Serbia, and Croatia have not progressed.

“Serbia and Croatia invested in armaments, the demarcation issue is not resolved, Croatia and Serbia are using water resources without compensation, Croatia has not returned BiH property, the construction of the Pelješac Bridge has begun, the verdicts for UZP Prlić and group and Karadžić reached the war-time governments of Serbia and Croatia but did not lead to respect for victims, glorification and celebration of war crimes and criminals have begun,” said Izetbegović.

He stated that the relativization of truth has begun.

“Bosniaks have been removed from the top of the BiH Prosecutor's Office and Court, and processes have begun against respected commanders and generals of the Army of RBiH and cadres of the Ministry of Internal Affairs who are going through a judicial ordeal. Equating defenders and aggressors would absolve perpetrators of responsibility,” said Izetbegović, adding that such a judiciary suits only a few politicians.

He stated that there is no reaction when Milorad Dodik, SNSD President, organizes unconstitutional referendums and blocks the work of the BiH Parliament. Izetbegović spoke particularly about the relationship between SDA and HDZ regarding the Election Law.

“The model being insisted upon is in conflict with the EC's opinion, it would render the civic principle and the existence of multi-ethnic party principles meaningless. We need to work on relaxing SDA and HDZ relations, support the Election Law agreement with the state,” said Izetbegović.

Izetbegović also spoke about the process of cleansing SDA, saying that some left on their own, and some in a different way.

“Many formerly important figures are no longer with us. The media no longer accuse SDA cadres of corruption.”

Speaking about the formation of government, he confirmed that the appointment of the BiH Council of Ministers, the FBiH Government, and the KS Government will go as a package once an agreement is reached with HDZ.

He added that a solid Agreement with SNSD and HDZ BiH on the principles of government formation has been signed, and its consistent implementation would lead to the greatest integration processes in BiH after the war.

“Milorad Dodik has continued to oppose sending the Membership Action Plan (ANP) to Brussels. He is trying to impose the will of the entity on the state and implement adopted laws on a pick-and-choose basis. If we agree to this, we will be blamed for all future blackmail. SNSD has already blocked the BiH Parliament, and now threatens a series of measures that are an attack on Dayton BiH, including returning competencies from the state to the entity level. We need to know when to say enough is enough, and this is that moment. We must show them where the boundaries are. The international community has finally woken up. It is time for everyone in BiH, including SNSD and its president, to learn to respect the Constitution, laws, partners, and neighbors,” said Izetbegović.