Konaković: Dodik's moves will surely lead to a blockade, let them wait a month and a half until we hear what the EU says

(Patria) - BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konaković spoke today about his visit and meetings with European officials in Strasbourg, as well as current political topics with a special focus on the policies pursued by politicians from Republika Srpska.

"When we should be walking smiling through the corridors of Brussels and Strasbourg, we have to deal with interpretations again. Cvijanović received a document on the legality of the High Representative, and that is a clear story.

It is impossible for the SNSD president, Milorad Dodik, to say that he does not recognize the decisions of the BiH Court. This is a pre-conflict situation. Besides the Constitution, there are political agreements on the transfer of competencies. I think we are exhausting ourselves, the opposition has managed to impose serious pressure, and for the first time, I see Dodik has fallen a bit under the influence of the opposition. This leads to a blockade. Wait a month and a half until we hear from Europe if they are serious. This is senseless. There is no doubt that we view these processes differently.

When we cannot agree, a foreigner is needed. There will be foreigners for a long time, Eufor Althea will strengthen its forces, and this is being discussed. And if we do not get serious, we will certainly become a security problem rather than a future one," said Konaković.

When asked about the people who responded to Staša Košarac's invitation for a meeting in Istočno Sarajevo yesterday, Konaković said that civil servants should be punished.

"If Bosniaks in institutions were to be removed from their workplaces at the order of NIP, they would be punished, and I would support that. Let elected officials meet, but the civil service should be depoliticized. But we know that is not the case, and I support Saša Magazinović's stance that civil servants should be punished and bear responsibility. Those appointed by parties are politicians, but civil servants, I think that is bad," said Konaković.

When asked how he comments on Milorad Dodik's statements that there will be no further talks without a law on the Constitutional Court of BiH, Konaković said:

"The EU report will include everything that has been done well in BiH. I am sure that a significant part will be about the problems created by politicians from Republika Srpska. Izetbegović is the only one who is still mentioned as wanting a conflict arena between East and West here. And we want to connect with the countries of the East and West," he said.

Konaković said that he will not attend the new state coalition meeting next week because he is traveling to New York for the UN General Assembly.

Regarding the Russian diplomats who were expelled from other countries and are now among the diplomats at the Russian Embassy, Konaković said that he will use all the mechanisms he has as minister.

"We have forwarded a letter to OSA, and we are waiting to see what they say. I will seriously do my job. And anyone who acts contrary to the interests of this country will be denied hospitality," said the head of BiH diplomacy.