Former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Foreign Minister Živadin Jovanović has accused BiH Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković of undermining good-neighborly relations between Serbia and BiH by attempting to obstruct voting arrangements for Serbian citizens living in BiH ahead of Serbia’s upcoming parliamentary elections.
“Konaković is acting in a manner completely contrary to our common interests,” Jovanović said.
He emphasized that, following the recent elections in BiH, which he described as positive and promising in terms of moving closer to the principles of the Dayton Peace Agreement or at least halting further departures from them, political leaders should be working to improve relations rather than worsen them.
According to Jovanović, Konaković appears determined to pursue the opposite course.
“It is as though he has assigned himself a mission to disrupt relations between Serbia and BiH,” Jovanović said.
Jovanović calls for respect for voting rights
Jovanović stressed that facilitating participation in elections for all eligible voters is both a normal democratic practice and an established European standard.
He argued that this principle is particularly important for BiH, given its aspirations to move closer to the European Union and comply with European standards.
“This is another disruptive move and another illustration of Konaković’s negative role in these relations. I believe the new Presidency of BiH and other relevant institutions should respond in order to create a positive atmosphere and respect the will of citizens to participate in the electoral process,” Jovanović stated.
Dispute over polling stations for Serbian citizens in BiH
Konaković previously announced that Bosniak ministers would not support a proposal to open polling stations for Serbian citizens residing in BiH.
He also warned that if Serbia attempted to organize voting without authorization from the Council of Ministers of BiH, he would seek to have Serbian Embassy personnel in Sarajevo sent home.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers Staša Košarac told Srna that he expected the Council of Ministers to approve the request allowing Serbian citizens to vote on BiH territory.
Košarac called for a reasonable political approach to the issue.
Serbia’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for Sunday, October 25.
Source: RTRS
