Košarac: Law on Constitutional Court on the agenda in April

(Patria) - Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH Staša Košarac stated that it is important to adhere to the agreement of political partners from Laktaša regarding the Law on the Court of BiH.

"The only adequate solution is an agreement among domestic actors without foreign interference, respecting constitutional competencies. We did not discuss the law on the court today because it is not harmonized. The key issue is only the seat of the Appellate Panel. And here, the position of Republika Srpska is clear that RS can determine the location. Foreigners significantly influence the judiciary, and the location should be as far as possible from Sarajevo and from Sattler, Murphy, and of course Schmidt. We believe we have a legitimate right to negotiate with our partners about the seat. I believe an agreement can be reached. RS has a credible basis to insist on this issue," said Košarac.

Speaking about the process of opening EU accession negotiations with BiH, Košarac said he would be cautiously optimistic ahead of March 21st when the European Council meets.

„It would be significant and motivating if we received an exact date for negotiations. We will not forget the law on the Constitutional Court and the cessation of the mandate of foreign judges. That comes on the agenda in April, and I believe we will resolve it adequately with our partners. We should also not forget the closure of the OHR office," said Košarac.

He added that it is unlikely that the decision on the Law on the Court will be postponed for 12 months if an agreement on the seat of the Appellate Department is not reached.

"That is neither a possible nor an adequate solution. Why does anyone object to the seat of the Appellate Panel being in Banja Luka?" asked Košarac.

After Košarac, the Minister of Transport and Communications spoke, stating that it is not easy to boast about achievements and explain to citizens that something has moved forward.

"It is not bad that the first woman of the largest political community in the EU said that about us. When she sent a recommendation to the European Council to open negotiations, we crossed one step, but we have not finished. In the two chapters related to transport, 1400 decisions need to be made in just one sector. We are just starting the work, and therefore we need to demand more from our decision-makers.

Speaking about the Law on the Court and the competencies that were mentioned, Forto said that working groups are working on all versions of the law.

"The working group for the law on the court is working, and when they provide the text, we will state our position on it," said Forto.