Izetbegović expects resolution: Can new government be formed by the end of March?

SARAJEVO, (Patria) – An agreement on forming the new composition of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina could be reached next week, said SDA President Bakir Izetbegović, who was tasked with offering the presidents of HDZ BiH and SNSD a document on which cooperation between these three parties would be based. 

The document emphasizes the need to work on preserving peace and stability, continuing all important reform processes, caring for returnees, and fighting corruption in accordance with the Constitution and laws. Izetbegović received a response from Dragan Čović and Milorad Dodik, but did not reveal further details. 

At the same time when the meeting of the trio should be held, Izetbegović is also inviting other political parties, i.e., the "Bosniak part," into the coalition. 

"The more of us in the position, the better," said Izetbegović, adding that he sees no reason why the SBB would give up entering the government if there are other partners who would join the SDA. 

Speaking about the positions the SDA wants in the Council of Ministers of BiH, Izetbegović listed five ministries, although he said that the SDA, with its partner parties, wants "three Bosniak positions and one position from the Others." He also outlined the order of priorities, thus they want finance, defense, foreign affairs, justice, and civil affairs. 

The problem arises because HDZ BiH has similar desires – finance and foreign affairs. It is possible that Izetbegović did not miscount, and that there is already a preliminary agreement on what HDZ or SDA might give up. As things stand now, the SDA will give up foreign affairs. 

Izetbegović also did not answer the question of whether the adoption of the Annual National Plan (MAP), which has been removed from the agenda of the Council of Ministers meeting several times at the request of ministers from the Serb ranks, is a condition for forming the Council of Ministers of BiH. 

 One of the conclusions of the SDA Presidency, held on Friday, concerns the completion of the negotiation process. The deadline is March 24.