New members of the BiH Presidency took office

The solemn inauguration of the newly elected members of the BiH Presidency began today at 2 PM with the intonation of the BiH anthem. The constitutive session was opened by Bakir Izetbegović, after which Stjepan Mikić, president of the Central Election Commission, handed certificates to the members of the BiH Presidency, Mladen Ivanić, member of the Presidency from RS, Dragan Čović, member of the Presidency from the Croat people, and Bakir Izetbegović, member of the Presidency from the Bosniak people, writes the BiH news agency Patria.

Mladen Ivanić read the text of the oath, which stated, among other things, that he would ensure the equality of all peoples. He then signed it. Dragan Čović did the same, followed by Bakir Izetbegović. The text of the oath states that all members of the BiH Presidency will respect the Dayton Peace Agreement and its annexes.

Former members of the BiH Presidency Nebojša Radmanović and Željko Komšić congratulated the newly elected members.

Mladen Ivanić said that he would be the first to serve as the chairman of the BiH Presidency.

- The current situation needs to be changed, and the BiH Presidency can do that. I believe that the Dayton Agreement is the essential framework for the functioning of BiH. I would put disagreements aside and emphasize the things we can agree on, which is what the common person lives on. Citizens are dissatisfied. That public pressure and readiness for compromise could bring something positive, and I will strive to contribute. My obligation is to protect the interests of RS, but also the interests of BiH, which do not have to be in opposition. I will fight for the equality of the Serbian people, but I will not jeopardize the rights of other peoples. Only a BiH that respects the rights of the Serbian, Croat, and Bosniak peoples and human rights has a chance and perspective. BiH must be a greater participant in regional cooperation. Instead of an object, we must become a subject of regional cooperation. We will continue the good practice of cooperation with Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. The coordination mechanism should finally be adopted, which would create further prospects for EU membership. The role of the international community would return to the level it is in other countries. I myself would gladly make the decision to shut it down. We need good cooperation with the USA and Russia, as well as other countries that have supported the development of BiH and its entities - said Ivanić.

Dragan Čović said in his address that he is convinced that BiH has a future.

- The past has left multilayered traces. Whether we like some part of it or a piece of it, we will be there briefly. BiH has been subjected to various experiments in the last 20 years that have not yielded results. I believe that we are all committed to quickly establishing government at all levels so that we can implement what we offered during the campaign. The essence of the priorities I will advocate for is the Euro-Atlantic path, strengthening economic potential, building society, amending the Constitution, language, heritage, culture, and preserving identity. I especially want to emphasize mutual trust, because only then can we reach common positions in foreign policy. Candidate status can be expected very soon. These are just some of the issues we must ask ourselves and which are our responsibility. I believe that we will succeed in eliminating any discussions that could harm BiH's reputation in the world. Through a common voice, we should seek help from outside, not through divisions - said Čović.

Bakir Izetbegović welcomed the attendees and thanked the voters who elected him to this position.

- I bid farewell to colleagues Radmanović and Komšić, with whom I cooperated well. The BiH Presidency was a factor of stability. We promoted BiH in international circles. I want to welcome my long-time friends Čović and Ivanić. I am convinced that we will quickly agree on what our future is. BiH is facing new challenges. Next year, we will mark two decades since the Dayton Peace Agreement. Let's focus on solving pressing problems. We need agreement and consensus on the Euro-Atlantic path, a coordination mechanism. The first task is a series of measures for economic recovery, capital, coordination with the EU. Eradicate corruption, crime, make BiH a safe country. We must not forget the people affected by the floods. Public spending should be reduced. I am convinced that we have all learned lessons from the previous four years. Citizens have sent a clear message. We must respect their voice - said Izetbegović.

Numerous members of the diplomatic corps, as well as religious leaders and foreign officials, attended the inauguration.