Mektić on the accusations of wiretapping Croatia: I did not say that we had done it

The BiH Minister of Security, Dragan Mektić stated that the BiH Intelligence Agency has not done anything illegal, and that the Agency has a duty to protect interests of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its citizens, in accordance with its Constitution and legislation.

Asked by journalists to comment on the accusations by Croatia that the BiH Intelligence Agency wiretapped Croatia's politicians and businessmen, Mektić said that the Agency has not done anything contrary to the Constitution.

- I did not say that we wiretapped Croatia's officials. However, should it be ever deemed necessary to protect the interests of the state Bosnia and Herzegovina, we shall do so, in accordance with constitutional responsibilities, Mektić asserted.

BiH Security Minister said 'it is now much clearer why some foreign officials over the past months spoke ill about BiH'.

- Now that we definitely know more about it, we will submit relevant information to all key institutions of the executive, legislative and other responsible authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is not up to the security agencies to undertake response towards other countries – relevant institutions of every country, including BiH, should be doing so on the basis of credible and accurate information, Mektić said.

Croatian president, Kolinda Grabar Kitarović often talks about Bosnia and Herzegovina as a country with a large number of extremists, which is damaging the international reputation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and also increasing tensions in the country and the region.