An initiative to dismiss Elmedin Konaković, Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Council of Ministers, has been submitted to the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH.
Sanja Vulić, head of the SNSD caucus in the House of Representatives, stated that the initiative was filed due to Konaković’s unilateral actions, abuse of office, and insults directed at Republika Srpska, Serbia, and the Serb people concerning the celebration of January 9 – Republika Srpska Day. Eight out of the 14 MPs from Republika Srpska have signed the initiative. Opposition members, although not signatories, have indicated they will support it.
Since taking over the foreign ministry, Elmedin Konaković has acted exclusively as a Bosniak minister. He has criticized Serbian officials, represented Republika Srpska abroad through the lens of the Srebrenica Resolution, and supported U.S. sanctions against Milorad Dodik.
The “final straw” was Konaković’s proposal to declare Republika Srpska Day a day of mourning. This prompted the formal initiative for his dismissal, which was officially submitted today to the House of Representatives.
“Minister Elmedin Konaković has acted unilaterally on several occasions without the consent of the Presidency, particularly with his statement insulting Republika Srpska and calling for January 9 to be declared a day of mourning. This demonstrates his disregard for Republika Srpska, its institutions, and its citizens. Republika Srpska Day was marked in a dignified manner, and Konaković’s inability to accept this is his problem, but we will address it in the House of Representatives,” stated Sanja Vulić.
MP Čedomir Stojanović of DEMOS also confirmed his support for the initiative, stating, “I will certainly support the initiative as a representative from Republika Srpska. His actions, often bypassing agreements in the Presidency, are unacceptable. His insults toward one people, especially in such sensitive times, are unnecessary, and I will definitely demand his dismissal.”
SDS MP Darko Babalj and PDP MP Branislav Borenović also indicated they would support the dismissal. Borenović added that the dismissal of Konaković should be considered alongside the dismissal of Nenad Nešić, stating, “We haven’t yet received the official initiative, but there’s no reason not to support it, just as we will support the dismissal of Nešić.”
While support from Republika Srpska MPs is evident, the dismissal will require votes from MPs in the Federation. Although the Troika parties are unlikely to back the initiative, the support of HDZ, SDA, and DF could unseat Elmedin Konaković from his ministerial position.
Milan Petković of the US party remarked, “The initiative has our support, not just for this case but due to Konaković’s previous actions that deviated from official foreign policy, serving only Bosniak interests, his party, and himself.”
Deputy Minister of Defense Aleksandar Goganović criticized Konaković as someone who builds his career by attacking Republika Srpska. He noted that Konaković continues to call for January 9 to be a day of mourning, despite his controversial background.
President of the National Assembly Nenad Stevandić accused Konaković and others, including Zukan Helez, of striving to push BiH toward conflict. “They act against the presidents of Serbia and Croatia. If it were up to them, Bosniaks would be left starving and thirsty because they are incapable of initiating any economic activity,” Stevandić concluded.
Source: RTRS
