I think it is better for religious people not to engage too much in politics

Interview 20, hosted and edited by Sanela Prašović-Gadžo, was broadcast on BHT last night, featuring the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bakir Izetbegović, reports the Patria News Agency (NAP). Responding to a question about whether Aleksandar Vučić, the Prime Minister of Serbia, should have apologized to the citizens of BiH during his visit to Sarajevo, Izetbegović said that Vučić had already done enough and that he trusted him.

- Mr. Vučić exposed himself greatly, and we already see nervousness among some older members of his party and in the Serbian Orthodox Church. I believe that this man has done enough for now, and that he should not be exposed further. He has seriously and sincerely embarked on a different path, a path of awareness, and he has influence in that nation, and he should be helped to properly direct Serbia and the Serbian nation. I did not ask for such things when he came to Sarajevo. I am satisfied with the visit, and I think that what Mr. Vučić did in Sarajevo and what he said in Belgrade after his return is enough – said Izetbegović.

Speaking about the devastating floods, he stated that the current situation in BiH can be overcome through general solidarity, primarily within BiH, good organization, and people's willingness to give up some of their surplus.

- Therefore, no one in this country should have more than they need while some people have lost everything they have accumulated their whole lives, and also through the solidarity of friends around the world. The recovery time depends on our economic power and on solidarity within BiH and the solidarity of friends around the world, but it will certainly take years. We must accommodate everyone properly before winter. We must ensure that everyone has a roof over their head, lives normally, and has sources of livelihood. We must ensure that the dangers of mines are removed – said Izetbegović, explaining that he thinks several thousand houses will have to be rebuilt.

- Everything must be done systematically; the state can provide plots. I think there is willingness for that, and there is land. We have discussed this, and we have also passed conclusions within the SDA that we will request this from all our SDA representatives at all levels. We have a huge number of mayors who can directly lead such an effort. So, the state can do it, public companies can do the infrastructure, and then we expect people, businessmen, the diaspora, etc., to join in. To provide masses of materials, to provide free labor, because we have registered donors for all of this, and to get to work – added Izetbegović.

An unavoidable question was also Mustafa Cerić's candidacy for the Bosniak member of the Presidency of BiH, to which Izetbegović stated that everyone has the right to run and that it is Cerić's personal decision.

- Whether it is good for him, for Bosniaks, for political life in BiH, voters will assess. Cerić has constantly been involved in politics and has changed the sides he supports. Voters will assess how much contribution he has made and how much harm he has done. I think it is better for political people not to engage too much in religion, nor for religious people to engage too much in politics. It is better for both them, for politics, and for religion. It is good for everyone to do their job, because the authority and dignity of the former Reis should be preserved, as politics is a discipline that involves slander, lies, and everything that a religious authority or former religious authority should not be a victim of – said Izetbegović.