Izetbegović: It is wrong to assume we must give something to Croats because of Dodik's ultimatum

SARAJEVO, (Patria) – Relaxation is needed between Bosnian patriots, Bosniaks, and Croats in order to more relaxedly meet some of the Croats' demands, said SDA President Bakir Izetbegović as a guest on Al Jazeera Balkans.

He stated that it is a wrong calculation that someone will get scared because of Milorad Dodik's ultimatum and "rush to give something to Croats in that atmosphere." This can only lead to a new deadlock that will narrow the space for bolder steps and compromises, says Izetbegović.

"I think Mr. Čović is aware of that. I persistently warn him about these things. I tell him, give that Agreement to the Islamic Community, help us get rid of these bookmakers. Don't go to Banja Luka on January 9th, come to Srebrenica on the 11th. Tell Mr. Čavara to take the appointments of constitutional judges out of the drawer, we cannot do some things in that atmosphere, we need to be more relaxed," said the SDA president, adding that no one should make a mistake and assess that "we must do something now because Dodik is causing a problem."

"Dodik is causing a problem for the tenth time, and we have survived all these problems so far," said Izetbegović.