Šepić: I don't think the arrest of Čaušević was politically motivated

At a regular session of the Presidency of the Party of Democratic Action (SDA), among other things, a conclusion was reached in which the SDA expects judicial bodies to determine the responsibility of SIPA Director Goran Zubac in a fair procedure due to omissions in the performance of official duties and serious consequences that occurred during the violent protests in February this year, writes the Patria News Agency.

Senad Šepić, vice-president of the party, stated that the competent Independent Board of the BiH Parliament is obliged to propose the suspension of Director Zubac and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings due to the indictment filed against him before the Court of BiH.

- This is only a consistent application of the law, because the Director of SIPA is a police officer of the highest rank. The Assistant Director was recently suspended due to the initiation of an investigation against him, and there is no reason why the Director of SIPA should be treated differently before the law. SDA has been warning for a long time that Zubac is most responsible for SIPA's actions in cases of arrests without the order of the BiH Prosecutor's Office, as well as for the perfidious removal of Bosniak cadres from the most responsible positions in the security system. Therefore, we demand that the disturbing imbalance to the detriment of Bosniak cadres in SIPA be urgently rectified in order to restore shaken confidence – said Šepić.

When asked by Patria journalists whether they would eventually seek the dismissal of the Independent Board if it did not perform its duties in accordance with its obligations, Šepić answered affirmatively.

- Yes, we will seek their dismissal. They are on the move, and if they obstruct this work, we will certainly seek their dismissal – says Šepić.

In the arrest of Kemal Čaušević, former director of the Indirect Taxation Authority in the "Pandora" operation, which was led by Zubac himself, Šepić sees no political motives.

- I would not comment on that in such a way. I believe that he, like everyone else, should act in accordance with the law. Regarding Mr. Čaušević's position, it is clear to you that, although he was an SDA cadre, he was dismissed precisely at our request and by the votes of our ministers. We expect a fair procedure to be conducted against him as well – Šepić added for NAP.

As Šepić emphasized, SDA welcomes the activities undertaken by the Council of Ministers in implementing the conclusions adopted at the 68th extraordinary session of the BiH Presidency from May 20, 2014, but is not satisfied with the speed of reaction to the open needs of the affected population.

- SDA once again calls on the competent institutions and citizens to maintain the initial enthusiasm and energy and to further intensify efforts for the recovery and reconstruction of the affected areas – added Šepić.

SDA most sharply condemned the burning of state flags near Livno and in Kiseljak, as well as the attack on the premises of the Patriotic League in Kiseljak after the Brazil – Croatia match.

- We also condemn the attack on the Hadži Ahmed Dukatar mosque in Livno on Topovi, which occurred just one day after the ceremonial opening of the renovated Ćurčinica mosque in Livno. We demand that the authorities shed light on these incidents, find and punish the perpetrators – said Šepić.

SDA also most sharply condemns the latest verbal attacks on the integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina by SNSD President Milorad Dodik, as well as his primitive and unacceptable behavior during the reception on the occasion of the National Day of the Russian Federation, when he demonstratively sat down while the anthem of our country was being played.

- Also, we once again most sharply condemn the placement of the so-called memorial plaque on Vrace in honor of Ratko Mladić, who is accused of genocide, numerous war crimes, crimes against humanity, as well as crimes related to the years-long siege of Sarajevo. It is particularly concerning that this provocation was supported by the municipal government headed by a mayor from Dodik's SNSD. It is obvious that Dodik and his closest associates are in great panic about the certain loss of elections in October, and therefore, for the umpteenth time, they are trying to provoke new inter-ethnic tensions – added Šepić.

SDA assessed the glorification of convicted war criminals as offensive and unacceptable, and in this context expresses condemnation for the ceremonial reception of Dario Kordić at Pleso Airport, Zagreb, on June 6, 2014.

- SDA reminds that Dario Kordić is a legally convicted war criminal. Among other things, he is responsible for the massacre of 116 innocent victims in Ahmići on April 16, 1993. SDA will support the dismissal of the Mayor of Brčko District, Anto Domić, due to his presence at this shameful act – noted Šepić.