Željka Cvijanović, the Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, believes that citizens and officials of Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as those at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina, can solve any problem through internal dialogue without foreign interference. She highlighted that she does not recognize the need or desire for dialogue, stating that there are political structures accustomed to having a submissive relationship and listening to foreigners’ recommendations.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina has long been a toy in the hands of others, something we don’t truly engage with or expect someone from outside to regulate and decide,” Cvijanović said in an interview with BHT.
She emphasized the necessity to return to internal dialogue and credible institutional work.
Regarding the judicial process against the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, before the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cvijanović described it as a fabricated political process aiming to destroy the Constitution and constitutional order.
Cvijanović highlighted the statement made by the Minister of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska, Siniša Karan, that no one will arrest the president, as the police function to protect the Constitution and constitutional order.
“Minister’s reaction was reasonable because we have two parallel processes: one defending the constitutionality and the other attacking it. Unfortunately, attacking this constitutionality involves the misuse of judicial institutions,” she mentioned.
She underscored that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a member of NATO and is not meant to become one, emphasizing that NATO is neither a signatory nor a guarantor of the Dayton Agreement.
Cvijanović criticized the practice where a foreigner arrives, amends laws, and claims that failure to respect their decisions results in imprisonment.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina discredits itself by accepting such practices. Kristian Schmidt discredits himself and pushes Bosnia and Herzegovina away from the path of civilized democratic countries,” she said.
Discussing the achievements during her one-year term in the Presidency, Cvijanović mentioned that differences exist, but decisions on vital issues for the citizens of Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina are swiftly resolved, such as the ratification of specific agreements and supported projects.
