Kavazović: Restore trust between peoples

A meeting has concluded at the BiH Presidency between Bakir Izetbegović, member of the BiH Presidency and Deputy President of the SDA, and Dragan Čović, leader of the HDZ BiH, and religious leaders Husein ef. Kavazović, reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Vinko Puljić, Archbishop of Vrhbosna and Cardinal.

Bakir Izetbegović stated after the meeting that this gathering was supposed to take place on March 11, but he was forced to cancel it due to health reasons. He assessed that there are justifiable reasons for citizens' protests.

- We believe that there has been an unjustified stratification of society and that there is extravagance and social insensitivity. Recent events should be taken alarmingly - said Izetbegović.

The urgent need for institutional action was emphasized. Stability must be preserved, and violence is not justified. The functioning of the system is threatened in a way, considering the cancellation of tourist arrangements and the increase in interest rates, said Izetbegović.

Dragan Čović, leader of the HDZ, emphasized that the topic of discussion was the current political situation and that it is clear "that there are many more dissatisfied people than those we see on the streets."

- We must take responsibility and work on the equality of peoples. HDZ BiH has clear goals, which are the internal reorganization of BiH and a stronger path towards European integration. There is no reason for any Bosniak to feel threatened by a Croat, and vice versa. We will wait for the elections, but they must not be an obstacle for us to work - said Čović.

Cardinal Vinko Puljić said that religious leaders must also consider the moral responsibility for what is happening in BiH.

- We need to support the pursuit of political stability, from which economic stability will certainly emerge. This country has enough bread, it just needs to stop stealing - said Puljić.

Reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic Community Husein ef. Kavazović, in his address to journalists, said "that the deafness between politicians must stop, as well as the deafness of politicians to the people."

- A very strong message has been sent to all those in responsible positions. We must restore trust between peoples. Our country has problems, but they cannot be solved unless we all strive for that goal together. The social aspect must be addressed immediately, and I call on politicians to show sensitivity. It is also very important that we from religious communities work to direct peoples towards each other. We need a BiH in which all citizens will be satisfied. - said Kavazović.