Meeting Interrupted, SDA, DF, and HDZ to Discuss FBiH Government on Wednesday

Talks between the leaders of SDA, DF, and HDZ on forming the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Government, held at the BiH Presidency building, were interrupted tonight after an hour, with a continuation scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, reports a reporter from the Patria news agency.

Željko Komšić left the meeting earlier due to urgent obligations, and DF Secretary General Sifet Podžić attended the continuation instead of him.

SDA Deputy President Bakir Izetbegović, HDZ President Dragan Čović, and Podžić told reporters that positions have been brought closer and that the parties have presented their views, but an agreement has not yet been reached.  

-The atmosphere among us is good. However, due to possible speculations, I do not wish to go public with the portfolios that HDZ is seeking. On Wednesday, we will try to conclude the agreement. I am sure we will agree on the FBiH Government as well. The result we achieved in the elections gives us six ministerial positions, and that is the minimum, said Čović, adding that it is unimaginable to form the Council of Ministers without the FBiH Government, and that he believes the strategic agreement on the state government has also opened discussions on forming the FBiH Government.

Izetbegović briefly said that there were strong and unrealistic demands, but he does not want to discuss them publicly.

-I am satisfied with this conversation, although we have not made a breakthrough as in the case of the Council of Ministers, Izetbegović emphasized.

Podžić said that the atmosphere is positive and that DF will be maximally cooperative, as in the case of the BiH Council of Ministers.