The President of the People’s Front said that Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot speak about full sovereignty while the same actors operate in its institutions. She spoke about the relations in the opposition of Republika Srpska, the role of the OHR, and happenings in Pale.
Foreign Judges and the OHR Are Not the Solution
The President of the People’s Front, Jelena Trivić, told BHRT that Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot have full sovereignty as long as foreign factors decide on its internal matters.
Commenting on the decision by the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Commission for Preserving National Monuments, vetoed by Željka Cvijanović, and the request for the assessment of constitutionality, Trivić said that domestic institutions should make decisions on these matters.
“Domestic, democratically elected institutions should decide on internal matters of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As long as foreign judges exist in the Constitutional Court and as long as the OHR has the authority to intervene, we cannot speak of the full sovereignty of the state,” Trivić said.
Criticism of SNSD for Inconsistent Policy
Trivić assessed that the government of Republika Srpska was inconsistent regarding the attitude towards the High Representative and international institutions.
She said that the People’s Front advocates for a principled approach, regardless of who holds the position of the High Representative.
“Our stance is that the same rules must apply to everyone. If someone believes that a certain position lacks legitimacy, that principle must apply regardless of who holds the office,” she emphasized.
Dialogue – the Only Path for Resolving Disputes
Speaking about political relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Trivić said that all problems should be resolved with conversation.
“We need to talk until we are blue in the face. We can disagree on many matters, but dialogue is the only way to avoid political crises and tensions,” she said.
She added that, as she claimed, a policy of constantly fueling tensions did not benefit Republika Srpska or its citizens.
The Opposition Should Act Together
Trivić reflected on relations within the opposition in Republika Srpska, emphasizing that the People’s Front has decided to participate in joint talks of the opposition parties.
According to her, the goal is to jointly act against the current government, while she rejected claims that her party negotiated separately to support any candidate.
“We haven’t closed the door on anyone regarding cooperation. I believe that opposition must talk and act jointly if it wants changes,” she said.
She Demands Clarification of the Events in Pale
Commenting on the police action in Pale, Trivić deemed there are serious questions about the use of force.
“The fact is that excessive force was used and that it must be determined who made such decisions. A full investigation and accountability of all those involved are required,” she said.
She added that she expects the competent institutions to establish all the circumstances of this case and the responsibility of all actors.
