The Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, Radovan Višković, stated that he had expected greater solidarity from the media community in Bosnia and Herzegovina following the imposition of U.S. sanctions on certain media outlets and journalists.
Višković emphasized that more than 1,000 workers have been affected by the sanctions, which deprived them of their basic right to livelihood.
He welcomed the recent decision by banks not to close the accounts of potentially sanctioned individuals in the future.
“I welcome this move, but it should have been done earlier,” said Višković.
He assessed that sanctions against politicians in Republika Srpska are political pressures aimed at undermining the entity and its institutions.
“Republika Srpska is not violating the Dayton Peace Agreement—it is the only one protecting it. We advocate for the Constitution of this country and for agreements between legitimate representatives. The future of this country depends on elected officials sitting down and negotiating, not foreign embassies making decisions for us,” Višković stated.
Višković criticized the involvement of foreign diplomats, saying it is shameful and humiliating for Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as for Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs, that a diplomat can convene MPs, participate in parliamentary sessions via video link, and dictate what should be adopted.
“Under diplomatic rules, they have no such authority,” Višković added.
He also commented that the arrest of the Minister of Security in the Council of Ministers, Nenad Nešić, represents pressure against Serbs in joint institutions.
“There are even talks about some restructuring of power at the state level in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I wish them luck with that,” said Višković in Banja Luka.
Višković added that he would refrain from commenting on the work of the Court and Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as he lacked sufficient information about Nešić’s arrest.
Federation hopes Schmidt will distribute state-level funds
The Prime Minister of Republika Srpska pointed out that the issue of distributing funds from the state level will remain unresolved, as authorities in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina hope that Christian Schmidt will impose a decision on the allocation of those funds.
Višković asserted that there are no indications that the undistributed funds at the state level will be allocated anytime soon.
“If Schmidt imposes such a decision, we will return the money to him as severance pay for leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina. We do not need money obtained in such a manner. We want our funds distributed in accordance with the Constitution and the law,” said Višković.
He added that these funds are more urgently needed in the Federation than in Republika Srpska, which is why they are urging Schmidt to enforce the decision.
“They haven’t even adopted a budget, but we have,” Višković noted.
He emphasized that Republika Srpska has demonstrated its financial stability by paying out two pensions within 20 days, each requiring 150 million BAM.
Višković stated that over the past three years, Republika Srpska repaid 657 million BAM more than it borrowed.
“Our interest rate this year stands at 3.5%, and the public debt of Republika Srpska is at a historic low,” Višković concluded.
Source: RTRS
