Israel understands and appreciates Republika Srpska’s efforts to preserve its identity, culture and constitutional competences. Israeli officials are well aware of the differing positions held by Sarajevo and Banja Luka, Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željka Cvijanović said following meetings with Israel’s top officials.
Cvijanović held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, discussing regional issues, security challenges, as well as relations with the United States and the European Union.
Strengthening cooperation between the institutions of Republika Srpska and Israel, along with continuing regular political consultations, was at the centre of Cvijanović’s meeting with Netanyahu.
According to Cvijanović, Israel has demonstrated a high level of understanding for Republika Srpska’s position and its efforts to preserve its identity and constitutional competences.
“I would say that today’s meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu was perhaps the highlight of all these meetings. We discussed opportunities to improve and expand cooperation between ministries of the Government of Republika Srpska and their counterparts in the Government of Israel. Our political understanding is also at a very high level, and we are committed to maintaining it,” Cvijanović said.
Important meetings were also held with Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, during which discussions focused on the challenges Republika Srpska faces within Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“What is particularly encouraging is the fact that Israel is always ready to defend the interests of Republika Srpska, understanding that what Republika Srpska seeks is never at the expense of others. The goal is to put things in order, and they are aware that for nearly 30 years we have been living, more or less, in a state of dysfunction. This was also an opportunity for me to explain that we must seek a new formula, one that ensures full equality among all constituent peoples,” she said.
At the same time, her latest visit to Israel drew criticism from political representatives in Sarajevo. Cvijanović responded by saying that, as a representative of Republika Srpska, she is obligated to defend the interests of the citizens who elected her.
“I was elected to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the people of Republika Srpska. It is entirely legitimate and responsible for me to speak about the interests of Republika Srpska. More importantly, I am obliged to defend those interests within the Presidency. That is how I represent Republika Srpska. I do not understand why they object. Everyone here, and everywhere else, knows very well what the positions of Sarajevo are and what the positions of Banja Luka are. I do not need to emphasize those differences, nor do I need to demonstrate them. They are obvious when it comes to any global issue,” Cvijanović added.
During her multi-day visit to Israel, Cvijanović also met with President Isaac Herzog.
Both sides agreed that there is significant room for further strengthening ties between Republika Srpska and Israel.
Source: RTRS
