Regarding the meeting of SDA president Bakir Izetbegovic with the ambassador of the Russian Federation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Sabina Cudic reacted.
“In whose name does Bakir Izetbegovic want to strengthen the relations between Bosniaks and Russia?
It is clear that behind the scenes, there is a process of negotiating a post-election coalition with SNSD. However, does that political pragmatism really have to be crowned by fawning over the embassy of a state that has openly threatened BiH?
I remind that it was precisely the Embassy of the Russian Federation in BiH that: Disputed the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH; Openly threatened because of BiH’s path towards NATO membership; Constantly denied the genocide in Srebrenica; Actively worked on destabilizing the political situation through support for separatist rhetoric in RS.
I understand that for Mr. Izetbegovic, the campaign has already begun, but as a former member of the Presidency of the Bosniak people, he should respect the foreign policy position of the state of BiH. And it is, unequivocally, aligned with the positions of the European Union (EU) when it comes to Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Member of the Presidency of BiH, Denis Becirovic, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have clearly confirmed that course. BiH is a candidate for EU membership, not for BRICS. So I ask openly: is SDA, according to the statements of its officials and such moves, now officially turning its back on the EU and siding with the autocratic bloc?
I remind Mr. Izetbegovic and his party of the facts: Over 70% of BiH’s exports go to the EU (Germany, Croatia, Austria, Slovenia…); Another about 15% of exports go to the countries of the region, which are also on the European path; Exports to Russia make up less than 1% of BiH’s total exports.
So, are they aware that their choice means not only political, but also economic downfall of BiH?
Therefore, once again I ask: Is the meeting with the Russian ambassador a personal act of Bakir Izetbegovic, or is it a new direction of SDA? The citizens of BiH deserve a clear answer,” she asked.
