Izetbegović: Conditions under which we can withdraw the appeal

SARAJEVO, (Patria) – SDA President Bakir Izetbegović stated today at a press conference in Sarajevo that Bosniaks and Croats are fourth and fifth-class citizens in Republika Srpska, that they are ruled, that they do not have their places in institutions.

The SDA announced yesterday that they would file an appeal with the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding the name of the entity Republika Srpska, which caused sharp reactions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Izetbegović said that if certain things change in RS, such as the introduction of the Bosnian language, improvements for returnees Bosniaks and Croats, according to adopted strategies, things can remain as they are.

“The name Republika Srpska is starting to turn into an entity in which others are not equal,” said Izetbegović.

“Republika Srpska is called the second Serbian state in the Balkans, and in all of this, the name Republika Srpska also serves as an instrument,” said Izetbegović.

The SDA President stated that it is not a request to abolish the name RS, but to include Bosniaks and Croats in the name.

The OHR condemned the SDA's announcement, while the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Milorad Dodik, responded that “if the SDA wants to do that,” he will advocate for rigorous measures to protect Republika Srpska.