Press conference of Denis Zvizdić after returning from Berlin

SARAJevo, (Patria) - After returning from Berlin, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH Denis Zvizdić will hold a press conference today. Zvizdić participated in the Western Balkans summit at the invitation of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, along with the presidents and prime ministers of the countries in the region: Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Albania. 

The multi-hour discussions among the participants resulted in an agreement on how to continue negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina, which was the central topic of the meeting. Also, the issue of tariffs imposed by Kosovo on imports from Serbia and BiH was discussed, with a request for the abolition of the 100 percent tariffs.

In his meeting with Merkel and Macron, Chairman of the Council of Ministers Zvizdić highlighted the reasons why the government in BiH has not yet been formed, seven months after the general elections. 

"The Council of Ministers has not been formed not because ministries need to be divided, but precisely because someone does not want to respect the rule of law in BiH and does not want to activate the MAP, justifying it with so-called military neutrality, while at the same time more than a thousand members of the reserve police force of Republika Srpska are being formed and armed. This is a paradoxical situation, and it is time for everyone in BiH, in the region, and in European institutions to know this," Zvizdić said.

At the meeting, Chairman Zvizdić stated that he opposes drawing new borders based on ethnic principles in the Western Balkans, and reiterated that territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the multi-ethnic nature of societies should be the sole basis for resolving bilateral disputes, especially the issue of borders.

He once again called for the finalization of border agreements between BiH and the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Serbia, as an expression of respect for the European and democratic principle of the inviolability of internationally recognized borders, but also as proof of good neighborly relations, in the same way as was successfully completed with Montenegro in 2015. He strongly condemned the linking of the resolution of Kosovo's status with the BiH entity of Republika Srpska, as well as the unconstitutional behavior of those who are drawing new borders across the territories of independent, internationally recognized states.

He requested the granting of candidate status for BiH, as well as assistance in activating the MAP, which would represent essential elements for the stability and economic development of BiH society, by creating political stability and a secure business environment attractive to foreign investors.

He emphasized that BiH will remain a constructive partner in all regional processes, and stated that an agreement between Belgrade and Pristina that reflects consensus and will not have any negative consequences for the region, especially not for BiH, can be supported.

Finally, he stressed that BiH is neither a source nor a threat, neither to the region nor to the EU, in any form of terrorism, and that it remains committed to constructive regional processes, such as the Berlin Process, which promote overall stability, development, and the process of reconciliation in the region.