NATO before the European path, I will always respond to threats that we will defend ourselves

ZAGREB, (Patria) - Bakir Izetbegović, member of the BiH Presidency and president of the SDA, said during his guest appearance on the show Nedjeljom u 2 hosted by editor and presenter Aleksandar Stanković that he is not a diplomat but a leader, and that those who threaten and those who say they will defend themselves cannot be equated. 

- There will be no conflict in the Balkans, unless provoked by those who have always started it – said Izetbegović, adding that his duty is to defend BiH according to the Constitution. 

When asked about NATO and the EU, the SDA president said that he expects the activation of the MAP by the end of this year, and that NATO is more necessary than the European path.

- NATO if possible before the EU because we need it more, but I am not sure because of the stance from Banja Luka.

Stanković asked Izetbegović why he went to Turkey alone for a meeting with the presidents of that country and Serbia, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Aleksandar Vučić.

- Mr. Čović and Ivanić have 50 to 100 trips and have not asked anyone for any permission, and it is a problem if I go to Turkey.

Speaking about the third entity, Izetbegović said that it is a “mechanism of Čović’s pressure” and nonsense to pander to voters.

He believes that Croats in BiH should not have their own exclusive RTV channel and that there are enough divisions, but that they should and have the right to their language on any television. 

On questions about the construction of the Pelješac Bridge, Izetbegović said that “Croatia can connect its territory but should not take away Bosnia and Herzegovina’s right to open sea”.

Izetbegović emphasized that crimes cannot be equated and that one should go to all sites of atrocities and pay tribute to all victims.