The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina and President of NiP, Elmedin Konaković, spoke to Dnevnik D about the election of a new high representative, the role of OHR, the relations of international actors towards Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as current political issues.
At the beginning of the conversation, he referred to the process of electing a new high representative.
“I think this is the most democratic election of a high representative ever in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is the first time that the BiH public is even familiar with the name proposals. Here, I invite all of us to remember the election of former high representatives. Here, Schmidt is the freshest. Did anyone know when, where, anyone was talking about it? They brought a man, a finished product, and presented him to the BiH public.”
He pointed out that there is an almost unified position on the need to continue the presence of the OHR in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“What is most important, now our positions are almost identical to the position that the continuation of the presence of the OHR and all the powers that belong to the OHR and the High Representative is necessary. Of course, the position is to use the Bonn powers as little as possible or not at all, but they are not deleted.”
He added that the new high representative is elected through the PIC and not through the United Nations Security Council.
“Again, it is important to underline that the new high representative is also chosen through the PIC, and not the way Dodik and Russia wanted, wanted. To return to the Security Council, which is completely unnecessary.”
Election postponement and international relations
Speaking about postponing the election of a new high representative, Konaković believes that it will not produce negative consequences.
“I don’t think there can be any harm to one or the other, nor to BiH, which is the most important thing.”
He particularly criticized, as he says, the campaign of the president of Republika Srpska.
“The big problem of this was created by the negative campaign of Milorad Dodik, who wanted to explain to the BiH public how he actually manages the process, how he influenced Christian Scmidt to go, and that someone new who comes will be his choice.”
He added that the reaction of the American embassy contributed to calming the situation.
“The good reaction of the American embassy, which of course denied it a few days ago, relaxes those relations.”
The role of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the process
When asked how much Bosnia and Herzegovina participates in decision-making on the selection of the high representative, Konaković answered:
“You said it well, BiH does not decide, but it asks a lot. So, we really had the opportunity to talk to everyone about our view of the entire process.”
He emphasized that the representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina insisted on preserving the position of the OHR.
“We talked about how important it is that we can maintain the position of the OHR, and here, the position of the OHR has been maintained.”
Russia and OHR
Speaking about Russia’s role, Konaković believes that its influence has weakened.
“Russia lost the match, we can say that freely. Dodik and Russia were defeated first of all because the new high representative is elected again at the PIC.”
He reminded that Russian attempts to shut down the OHR were without results.
“You remember that the Russians are launching initiatives at the Security Council to shut down the OHR, so that didn’t come true for them either.”
Relations between the USA, Europe and Russia
Commenting on the allegations of support for certain candidates for high representative, Konaković said:
“I don’t believe that a strong American administration would stand up to Russia for any reason, and especially not the European Union, because Russia is showing what it really thinks about Europe and the European Union with its aggression against Ukraine.”
He added that it is wrong to equate knowledge of Russia with support for Russian interests.
“So, to make a difference, the fact that he was ambassador in Russia for a very long time and that he knows the way of Russian work and their diplomacy and a Russian man is a big difference.”
Dodik and American sanctions
Konaković also spoke about the attitude of the American administration towards Milorad Dodik.
“I can’t talk about it properly, I don’t have that information.”
However, he pointed out that there are moves that cause dissatisfaction of the American administration.
“I know that what Elek did with Gazprom and the announcement that Gazprom and Russia will continue to dominate the region is something that annoys the Americans.”
He said about Dodik:
“It’s a circus performer and fool who does it skillfully, and the bottom line shows that he doesn’t manage the processes.”
The future of OHR
Speaking about the future of the OHR, Konaković said that there is agreement among the members of the PIC.
“I heard this directly from all representatives, all members of the PIC, an identical position. We are aware that the OHR, and I must say unfortunately, still needs BiH.”
He added that the destabilization of Bosnia and Herzegovina is not only a political, but also an economic issue.
“In fact, it is not only a diplomatic-political matter, but a matter of the functionality of the entire system.”
State property
When it comes to the issue of state property, Konaković believes that there is room for agreement.
“Everyone is looking for a functional solution, and we are not far from a line around which this issue can be resolved.”
He emphasized that for him the owner of state property is the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“For us, of course, the unquestionable title is the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
Southern Interconnection
Speaking about the Southern Interconnection project, Konaković said that the interests of Bosnia and Herzegovina are protected.
“Absolutely. There’s not one iota, not one millimeter of any risk.”
He explained the project financing model.
“The concessionaire brings his own money, issues permits, invests himself, Bosnia and Herzegovina costs zero.”
He added:
“The Americans cannot say that the price of your gas will be ten times more expensive, we will not use it.”
Relations within the Troika
Commenting on the statements of the president of our party, Sabina Ćudić, Konaković said:
“I didn’t fully understand her message.”
However, he believes that it is normal for partners to have disagreements.
“It is completely true that we do not agree on all things, but it is true that we are all aware that the Troika is the only true and real alternative.”
Highways and project financing
Speaking about allegations that the European Investment Bank suspended the financing of certain projects, he said:
“A very important question. From what we got as the first answer, I must say, it’s a strange answer.”
He added that he expects a full investigation.
“I join the demands that this story be brought to light to the end and that all those responsible be sanctioned.”
Relations between Bosniaks and Croats
At the end of the conversation, he referred to the relations between Bosniaks and Croats.
“The relations of Bosniaks and Croats with Bosniaks in Sarajevo are not relaxed, but they are relaxed in Stolac, they are relaxed in Mostar, they are relaxed in Central Bosnia, where the rights of Bosniaks are threatened.”
He believes that it is necessary to solve specific problems on the ground.
“We will relax relations there, and everyone is always welcome in Sarajevo.”
Speaking about the amendments to the Election Law, he concluded:
“We are fully prepared for amendments to the Election Law, together with amendments to the Constitution that resolve the judgments of international courts and issues of ethnicity and the rights of other citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
