Political leaders after the meeting: We have taken a step towards a solution

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Leaders of political parties in BiH held a new round of talks today with representatives of the Venice Commission regarding amendments to the Election Law.

After the meeting, most participants expressed optimism that some temporary compromise solution could be reached, at least when it comes to the upcoming General Elections.

- We agreed to be optimistic, I am satisfied with the atmosphere at the meetings where everyone presents their facts with arguments. I wish we were closer to a solution, but each of us holds their position and states views that have been repeated countless times in public, and that does not really lead to a solution, but let's hope that the interest of international representatives will lead to some compromise – said SDP president Nermin Nikšić.

SDA leader Bakir Izetbegović said that a step forward has been made in finding a solution.

- I think we have taken a step towards a solution today and I think it will be a temporary solution for these elections that will relate exclusively to the House of Peoples of the Federation. With the help of friends from the international community, I think we have taken a step towards a solution today – Izetbegović emphasized.

SBB president Fahrudin Radončić is of a similar opinion.

- Today's conversation was indeed very serious and constructive and a big step forward, I think we are closest to a solution at this moment, but we should not spoil the concept by going into too many details – Radončić added.

HDZ vice-president Borjana Krišto said that there were no solutions today, and that the meetings would continue.

- We have a responsibility to implement the decision of the Constitutional Court of BiH on legitimate representation when it comes to the election of legitimate representatives to the House of Peoples, and of course when it comes to the election of legitimate representatives to other administrative levels of government in BiH. There were no concrete solutions today, and the meetings and talks will continue, and we will try to ensure that our solutions are in line with the Constitution, European conventions, and the decision of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the legitimate representation of constituent peoples.

Krišto added that even temporary solutions must respect the decisions of the Constitutional Court on legitimate representation, regardless of who it concerns. She added that the HDZ will do everything to be part of the solution.