Izetbegović: I made a bad assessment, Dodik is unpredictable

(Patria) - A session of the Main Board of the Party of Democratic Action (SDA) was held in Kakanj today, where conclusions were reached, and among other things, a call was made to strengthen NATO and EUFOR forces, especially in Brčko.

"In the National Assembly of Republika Srpska (NSRS), they have entered the 'red zone' of what is punishable under the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we expect the Prosecutor's Office to take action. We have tasked SDA officials to initiate procedures to stop what is being attempted in the NSRS. We call on NATO, EUFOR, in accordance with their mandate, to strengthen their presence, especially in the sensitive area of the Brčko District," said SDA President Bakir Izetbegović, after the Main Board session. 

We also call on pro-Bosniak parties to unite and act together to stop these attacks, Izetbegović added, and said that SDA has nothing against coordination with the opposition from RS.

"We are ready to respond to the call of High Representative Christian Schmidt when it comes to the Law on State Property. We can participate in the work of a future commission, but we immediately emphasize that state property is part of BiH's sovereignty, and everything should be concluded within the framework of the Constitutional Court's ruling. Therefore, the state is the titular of the property," said the SDA president.

Izetbegović also said that SDA is ready to discuss the law prohibiting the denial of genocide and the rewarding and glorification of war criminals, but they expect Serb representatives from RS to offer solutions.

"Let them say what they think is a necessary addition. We are not ready to change the essence of that law, but additions are possible," said Izetbegović.

The SDA Main Board discussed the economic situation in the Federation of BiH, and Prime Minister Fadil Novalić gave a presentation on the topic.

"I think that by the end of the year, we will have the same number of employed people as before the pandemic, and the figures for exports and industrial production are even better than could have been expected when the pandemic began. We have global inflation, it is slightly over four percent here and it affects living standards, especially for the poor. We have tasked the FBiH Government to see how it can help, at least when it comes to basic foodstuffs," said the SDA president.

At today's Main Board session, SDA launched an initiative to lobby for BiH in international circles.

"We need to find a way to lobby on behalf of BiH. We have instructed SDA personnel at various levels to work on creating a fund for lobbying abroad. Basic funds should come from cantonal and FBiH budgets, but we invite patriots to get involved," said Izetbegović.

Izetbegović admitted that he made a bad assessment when he said last summer that "Serbs will cool down and blow over," so today he did not want to predict anything.

"It seems that was a bad assessment. I wouldn't want to make further assessments, I might make a wrong assessment, Mr. Dodik is unpredictable," said the SDA president. 

Commenting on Dodik's statement that he feels sick sitting with him and whether he misjudged Dodik's intentions, Izetbegović said:

"Dodik is unpredictable, I had bad assessments at the beginning. I wouldn't give any more assessments about how far he will go. I don't enjoy sitting with Dodik either; friends from the international community ask for it, and we have to do all of it. I will not be the one to say that I will not respond. SDA has always strived to be the solution, including my messages that we hope tensions will fall, that we will reach an agreement... We tried to extend a hand. I fear that Dodik will pull the rope until it breaks, and if it breaks, those who caused this situation will suffer the most. BiH has not been on the radar of more serious crises, but with all this coming from the EU, readiness to help is being created. Dodik will not stop in time. I think 80 percent of the population in RS is not for this. This is the policy of a wealthy politician who is playing games. The highest authority in the world and the poorest pensioner are in Republika Srpska. This policy must stop," explained Izetbegović, adding that a politician who wants to lead children to the trenches will first lead them to the border.

"His policy is making its last moves," concluded Izetbegović.