Konaković: SNSD has been erased with an eraser, I don't know how HDZ will proceed, we had contacts with the opposition from RS

(Patria) - The President of the People and Justice Party, Elmedin Konaković, said at today's press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH that SNSD is "for us erased with an eraser at the state level". At yesterday's session, on the initiative of the troika, Nebojša Radmanović (SNSD) was removed from the Collegium of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH.

"Since March, when we got the green light for EU negotiations, Milorad Dodik has been under the full influence of the Russian Federation and received an order to stop BiH's European path. When he said that BiH will not join the EU because RS will disappear there, we became convinced that this is his final stance. He lied to both Čović and me and Nikšić, having agreed on these two laws that were adopted at the Council of Ministers of BiH. The opposition from RS was brave enough to put people's interests first, and I congratulate them.

Dodik does not keep his word. There is no theoretical chance that the troika will ever agree on any processes with SNSD in this mandate. For us, he is no longer a partner, and the coalition with SNSD is a done deal. It has been confirmed that there are people in BiH who are ready for a European future, who are ready to acknowledge our differences, and I do not expect them to change their views on genocide tomorrow; I said I no longer believe in that catharsis.

NIP exclusively demanded the expulsion of SNSD. We will not rush further. We will create a platform; we have two more European laws. The new coalition should consist of parties that are pro-European oriented. If that is SDA without NIP, I am also for that option. If we do not deliver the laws and the Growth Plan, we fall out of the EU train. This country, every one of its citizens, is economically threatened.

Yesterday I spoke with Dodik. He called me during these activities. I asked him what would be the purpose of the troika remaining in a coalition with SNSD, to wait until 2026. That coalition has no purpose with those who are completely against the EU in the name of Russian interests, against Serbian interests in BiH. We have a correct relationship with HDZ; how Dragan Čović will proceed further, whether he sees future cooperation with those who voted against European laws is not impossible. What others will do is their business. I speak on behalf of NIP; we will be with those who can guarantee another session like this in seven or ten days. We will not run away from holding power; that would be cowardly. With the opposition from RS, we have had some contacts that I cannot say are strategic, but they communicate maturely. They want to talk about these things. I have no imperative for NIP to be inside, but I have an imperative that the European story is the zero priority," said Konaković.

Speaking about the possible blockade that SNSD could carry out in the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, he said he expects a reaction from the international community.

"Now you can understand why I was against that blockade of the Bosniak Club. That gives an alibi to Dodik; that is not done," said Konaković.

He said that for more than six months, work has been done on contacts with the administration of Donald Trump.

"I asked the Minister of Saudi Arabia to help us with contacts. I expect that from Turkey as well, from my friend Fidan. I congratulated Rubio; we have not yet established communication, but I think we will," said Konaković.

Konaković said that he will respond to any invitation from HDZ if there is a meeting.

"SNSD is no longer a partner, but I have nothing against them voting for European laws. With SNSD, there will be no more appointments, neither the director of SIPA nor the Minister of Security. In some new coalition, NIP will not be with SNSD. Čović said that they will not vote for the dismissal, and we did not ask HDZ whether we are allowed to vote. They are a correct partner, and they must make their own decisions," said Čović.