Banja Luka – Serbian MP and member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željka Cvijanović, said that Republika Srpska officials are acting in a responsible and constitutional manner, while tensions in the country are being fuelled by Bosnian political representatives, who, according to her, are provoking conflicts and trying to destabilise the situation.

During a thematic session of the Government of Republika Srpska, Cvijanović wished to emphasise that there is no hatred or threats of war in Srpska:

‘I am proud that in Republika Srpska no one has ever spoken of war, instability or shootings. No conflicts are fomented here. We are a community that defends its position responsibly.”

He went on to criticise recent statements by the Defence Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the attempt, in his view, to abuse the Armed Forces:

“Defence decisions must be made by consensus. Unilateral attempts by the Defence Minister have no legal basis. Even my colleagues in the Presidency, who were initially in favour, then withdrew when faced with the evidence of illegality.”

Cvijanović condemned the increasing provocations coming from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), citing disturbing incidents such as the attack on Serbian minors in Sarajevo and the public appearance of officials in camouflage uniforms, which he called “absolutely unacceptable madness”.

“Here, no one dresses in camouflage to call for war. There is no such mentality in Republika Srpska. Those who speak of weapons and conflict reveal themselves for what they are. We, on the contrary, are for stability and security’.

A particularly serious passage was when he denounced calls for the assassination of President Dodik that appeared on some FBiH portals, expressing dismay at the absence of institutional reaction.

He also severely criticised the actions of Kristian Schmidt, whom he considers illegitimate and responsible for aggravating the institutional crisis:

‘No one believes anymore that Schmidt has the right to impose laws. Bosnia and Herzegovina is now hostage to an unelected foreigner, and this is simply unacceptable.”

Regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina’s foreign policy, Cvijanović spoke openly of total failure:

“It has become the instrument of a single nation. Some ambassadors represent only one part of the country, ignoring the other members of the presidency. This is a clear breakdown of the system.”

She also warned that such unilateral management could have criminal consequences, insisting that the Serbian members of the institutions are not doing anything destructive, unlike, in her opinion, the other two members of the Presidency.

In closing, Cvijanović stated that Schmidt’s time is over:

“He has done enough damage. It is time for him to leave this country.”