A Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željka Cvijanović, stated that the burning of flags and the campaign against Republika Srpska in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina reflect hatred, intolerance, and the politics led by foreigners in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She emphasized that January 9th is a historical fact.
“They ignite the fire whenever there is peace,” emphasized Cvijanović.
Cvijanović highlighted that she is proud that there are no such reactions in Republika Srpska.
“When you hear about the searching of cars and personal belongings of people who had to go through or pass through the Federation on January 9th, it shows the state of consciousness,” said Cvijanović.
Cvijanović reminded us that for years, on the celebration of January 9th, the Republic of Srpska Day, political representatives from all peoples and numerous ambassadors used to come to Banja Luka.
“Just look at what Bosniak politicians were saying a decade ago and how affirmatively they spoke about it; you can find it in the media. They were affirmatively talking about the fact that Republika Srpska, as an integral part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has the right to celebrate and determine its dates, and that there is nothing offensive about it,” pointed out Cvijanović.
Cvijanović emphasized that Bosniak politicians then suddenly realized overnight that it offended them, and into the whole story, certain ambassadors and self-proclaimed experts intervened.
“I especially disagree with the threats of initiating criminal proceedings and the like. It is an abuse of justice when it comes to dealing with Republika Srpska, and this is not the first time. We have seen such situations before,” noted Cvijanović.
Cvijanović also recalled the proceedings against the President of Republika Srpska in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Court, pointing out that all of this is a formula for the failure of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“It’s a formula to destabilize Bosnia and Herzegovina, not to make it strong and acceptable to all its citizens. I really don’t understand these foreign parties, that they don’t see they’ve been using the wrong recipe all these years, not understanding the mentality, pride, relationships, and philosophy of the people’s way of life,” said Cvijanović.
She emphasized that foreigners think they can solve things by making threats.
“They don’t understand this region at all. Their interference is tragic. They have contributed to such reactions in the Federation. They ignite fires when there is peace here, just as they do around the world,” concluded Cvijanović.
In Zenica on Tuesday evening, January 9th, the flag of Republika Srpska was set on fire, and a group of hooligans chanted “Allahu Akbar” and “Takbir.” According to footage circulating on social media, the group of hooligans also carried flags of the so-called Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A group of citizens protested on Tuesday evening, January 9th, in front of the Church of St. Basil the Great in Konjic, demanding the removal of the Serbian flag displayed for Orthodox Christmas. The few Serbs in Konjic told Srna news agency that they are frightened and disturbed after this incident.
In the Mostar settlement of Bijelo Polje, on Christmas Day, the house of the Serbian returnee family Šantić was stoned.
I already provided information about the American military tanker aircraft flying over the area near Banja Luka on Monday, January 8th, ahead of the Republic of Srpska Day celebrations. If you have any specific questions or if there’s anything else you’d like to know, feel free to ask.
Source: RTRS
