Representatives of SNSD, HDZ BiH and Troika parties met in Sarajevo on Monday evening.

Dodik: We demand accountability of Lagumdzija

Following the meeting, the leader of the SNSD and president of the Republika Srpska entity Milorad Dodik emphasized that nothing was agreed upon today, that this was an unfinished meeting, and that discussions would continue next week.

He mentioned that one of the topics was the election of members of the Central Election Commission and that, although they had previously agreed, there were still some issues to be resolved.

“The issue was also the growth plan related to EU projects. It should be noted that we participated on behalf of the Prime Minister of RS. 110 referenda were agreed upon, but three are not acceptable to us. One of them is to abandon the veto on decision-making at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We will not accept that; it is our constitutional obligation. Partners from the Federation remained to coordinate some issues regarding the budget,” Dodik said.

Furthermore, Dodik said that accountability must be sought from Bosnia's ambassador to the United Nations, Zlatko Lagumdzija, who, as he said, “unilaterally, bypassing the Presidency,” initiated the issue of the Srebrenica genocide resolution at the UN.

He emphasized that the issue of Lagumdzija's accountability was raised, stating that after the adoption of the Srebrenica genocide resolution, it will be difficult to reach any further agreements in the country.

“It is a serious problem for us that the issue of Srebrenica was unilaterally initiated by Lagumdzija himself, without any suggestion from the decision-making structures, the Presidency. We are demanding accountability, and that is a matter that must be discussed if we want to reach any agreement. After the adoption of that resolution, it will be difficult to negotiate and discuss any issue in BiH,” Dodik said.

Niksic: We are ready for compromise, but there is a red line that will not be crossed

“We have opened a series of topics, someone noticed that even during the meeting. Sometimes we miss certain opportunities, and then we are late with things that we could have resolved. We are not prepared to cross the red line even now. Each of us has certain principles and there are things we are not willing to compromise on. It is significant that we have opened negotiations, but we also have those three measures that are important to us. I have said it several times, I commend the people who have worked, led by Mrs. Krišto, to bring our positions closer,” said SDP leader Nermin Niksic, adding:

“Just as we are always ready for compromise and to find a way to achieve the interests of all citizens in BiH, we are ready to insist that there is no price for which we will cross the red line and jeopardize the interests of the citizens. Our partners from RS have a different view, we are used to that and have never tried to say that we see certain things the same way. Compromise does not mean accepting the imposition of narratives and relationships, but that we all give in a little and come to an agreement.”

He then stated that he believes the meeting is not over.

“I don't have good news, we consider the meeting not concluded and not finished, we will agree on when we will meet again and resolve the issues on the table. I think I speak on behalf of the Three, we are not ready to cross the red line against the interests of BiH,” he said, concluding:

“The red line has been clearly drawn before, when it comes to the Constitution of BiH, the budget, and other matters crucial for BiH.”

Covic: We also have our red lines that we are not willing to cross

The leader of the HDZ BiH, Dragan Covic, addressed the media after the meeting too.

“Today, we came together, which is good. We discussed many topics, from strategic actions in politics. For us, the only task is to try to truly open the talks process, and everything should be done to make it work. Obstacles are a part of that, and we've been talking about them for six months. There are certain conditions that we have agreed upon among ourselves. Perhaps tomorrow we will sit down once again to clarify. We must have a budget,” said Covic.

“We need to sit down once a week and try to work on issues and ensure those that can ensure a way of functioning.”

Covic emphasized that we are all “hostages of the environment in which we live.”

“We are hostages of the environment in which we live. I think we have brought most things in the FBiH to a conclusion. We are seeking solutions, having discussions, and I believe that representatives of the executive authorities in the FBiH are sitting down and discussing all issues. In the next 7-10 days, we will have a meeting.”

“We also have our red lines that we are not willing to cross. We are doing everything to make BiH function to avoid any insecurity in BiH. I think we are succeeding in that,” said Covic.