Pusić: Croatia is a free country and there can be talk about a third entity

Vesna Pusić, Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, met with Zlatko Lagumdžija, Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH, during her working visit to our country. Lagumdžija thanked Pusić for the visit and said that they had not finished their conversation and would continue it in the afternoon, reports the Patria News Agency.

- The largest part was dedicated to seeking a more creative approach from the EU towards BiH, and Minister Pusić is precisely the promoter of this approach. The April meeting of foreign ministers should bring support to BiH. We think this is the right time to come up with something fresh, also because of the election campaign. It is more important that this campaign is conducted in a positive atmosphere, rather than how to scare each other – said Lagumdžija.

He added that everything must be done for BiH to do its part and pass the EU's tests. Lagumdžija said that BiH is an EU patient, but not a clueless patient.

- The dissatisfaction of citizens in BiH must be resolved. We also need to resolve the issue of the "Sejdić and Finci" ruling, as well as constitutional changes, but that can also be done after the elections, and for now, we should focus on solving the basic existential problems of BiH citizens. We are dependent on each other, and I am glad that Croatia is in the EU – added Lagumdžija.

Vesna Pusić said that one part of her visit was related to the conference on preventing violence against women in conflicts, and that she is one of the promoters of this topic.

- And the second part relates to bringing BiH closer to EU membership. Croatia considers this important, and I personally do too. We are geographically connected, and the success and stability of one country affect the other. The process of rapprochement and membership in the EU has an important impact on the countries of the region. We are all young countries, and we need the experience of the old EU countries. BiH has been on the path to preparing for membership for a relatively long time. The current EU approach has not helped BiH move forward. An innovation in this approach is needed. This does not mean lowering the criteria for BiH. It is in our interest for our neighbor to be stable – said Pusić.

The situation in Ukraine also occupied the attention of the EU ministers, so BiH remained an unopened topic, Pusić noted, explaining that regarding the new approach that Croatia is proposing for BiH, it will be acceptable when others also accept it.

Pusić also commented on the events in the Croatian Parliament when a part of the opposition spoke about a third entity in BiH.

- If something is mentioned and talked about in the Parliament, it does not mean that it is the official policy of Croatia. Croatia is a free country, and people in the Parliament have the right to say what they want. But, such talks come from individuals, and that does not mean that it is the stance of the parties from which those who say it come – added Pusić.