Expert in international relations Luciano Kaluža said that the planned Office for International Cooperation of Republika Srpska will serve as a link between all institutions of Republika Srpska and act as a coordinating body.
Speaking in the RTRS morning program, Kaluža emphasized that Republika Srpska needs such an office.
“Until now, Republika Srpska developed international relations through several institutions. The office will have a central coordinating role,” Kaluža said.
He stressed that there will be no overlap with the relevant ministries within the Government of Republika Srpska.
“All institutions will continue their work. The main tasks of the office will be analytical activities, development of international projects, and providing recommendations to the institutions of Republika Srpska. We have new geopolitical relations and must be prepared,” Kaluža stated.
He added that the Dayton Peace Agreement and the Constitution allow both Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to engage in international relations.
“These are possibilities that arise from the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Constitution of Republika Srpska. Anyone opposing this office is also opposing the Constitution,” Kaluža said.
He noted that political circles in Sarajevo fear Republika Srpska’s international activity.
“The office is affirmative and will work for the benefit of all citizens of Republika Srpska. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina has lost its mandate because it represents only Sarajevo’s policy. Republika Srpska therefore has no choice but to work on its own international representation,” Kaluža said.
He added that Republika Srpska should actively promote itself internationally because it has the capacity to act on the global stage.
Kaluža also commented on the conflict in the Middle East, stating that Republika Srpska is right to support Israel.
“In the 1990s we faced the influence of that regime from Iran. Israel is defending itself, and Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons,” Kaluža concluded.
Source: RTRS
