No agreement on MAP: BiH Council of Ministers by end of March

SARAJevo, (Patria) - Following a meeting of the presidents of SDA, SNSD, and HDZ BiH, Bakir Izetbegović, Milorad Dodik, and Dragan Čović, it was highlighted that a prime minister-designate could be appointed within the next ten days, and the Council of Ministers formed by the end of March. Izetbegović told the media that the meeting participants did not manage to reach an agreement on the activation of the MAP.

"The Bosniak and Croat sides are 'for' it, while the Serb side is against it," said Izetbegović.

Dragan Čović emphasized that he hopes the Council of Ministers will be formed by the end of March.

"It seems to me that we have made significant progress," said Čović.

Dodik stated that the formation of the Council of Ministers is important for the European path of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which, as he pointed out, is not in question, and that there is nothing controversial about the prime minister-designate Zoran Tegeltija.

"A delay occurred because the MAP issue was raised as a prerequisite. Republika Srpska, both the government and the opposition, holds the stance that we are for military neutrality. This issue cannot gain consensus, but it is realistic that this issue will not disappear either," said Dodik.

He thanked the members of the Presidency of BiH, Željko Komšić and Šefik Džaferović, for, as he said, sending a positive message regarding the agreement to abolish roaming.

Regarding the initiative to abolish the name Republika Srpska, an entity in BiH, Izetbegović said that he spoke with Dodik, but that he would not explain it to journalists. Speaking about the activation of the MAP, Izetbegović emphasized that laws must be respected, and that if someone has a majority, they can change those laws, alluding to the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina had previously committed to NATO integration.

Izetbegović also said that a "paper" with principles of action that could satisfy all three sides in Bosnia and Herzegovina could be ready soon.

"It is not easy, but it is up to us to try to find a solution that will be based on what we have discussed. When I say the rule of law, I mean respecting every law, including the Law on Defense."

When asked who will be SDA's partner at the FBiH level, Izetbegović said it will be those who do not refuse to enter the government, "as the BH bloc did."

Dodik emphasized that he understands Izetbegović's position and need to strengthen, as he said, the "representative team," but that he has the capacity to make a decision on the formation of the Council of Ministers of BiH.