The head of the European Union (EU) delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Johann Sattler, spoke yesterday about the current political situation in BiH, where he also referred to the latest announcements by Milorad Dodik on withdrawing consent to the functioning of the Armed Forces of BiH (AFBiH), High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC), and other state institutions.
Among other things, Sattler stressed that politicians in BiH must focus on reform issues, without talking about any withdrawal of competencies, which has been witnessed in past days and mentioned by BiH Presidency member Milorad Dodik. It will not happen.
“There is no discussion on these issues. I think it is about time to go back to the table and start talking about topics that are of essential interest. It takes two to tango, and in this country, there are more sides and I invite them to come back and dedicate themselves to their tasks, ” Sattler told.
The head of the EU delegation in BiH pointed out that the country is facing an extremely important period, which will include the visit of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
“We are entering a significant phase for the country. Tomorrowwe have a visit from Ursula von der Leyen who is coming to open the EU-funded bridge on Svilaj. It means that we are investing money and fulfilling our part of the task and therefore expect local authorities to do their part and talk about the problems that afflict citizens. None of the citizens is interested in artificially induced blockades that block the work of institutions. Citizens want talks about the economy, recovery,and health, and that is what is primary,” stated the head of the EU delegation.
In addition to the visit of the President of the European Commission, Sattler said that October 6th is also a significantdate for BiH, considering that the heads of EU member states will meet with the leaders of the Western Balkan countries.
“Besides the visit of the President of the European Commission, we have a significant date ahead of us – October 6th. It is planned to hold a summit between the 27 EU member states, where all heads of state and representatives of the Western Balkans will be present. What is important for BiH is to come ready and show positive messages, bearing in mind that this country has applied for the EU membership, ” he explained.
Finally, Sattler noted that issues related to electoral and constitutional changes cannot be neglected.
“Apart from these topics that I emphasized, we must not neglect the importance of constitutional and electoral issues. It is important to work on this part by October 2022. We have an Interdepartmental Working Group that should be allowed to work on these issues that include not only the implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights but also the integrity of the electoral process, which will allow for greater transparency of the system and the elimination of corruption, ” Sattler concluded, Klix.ba writes.
E.Dz.
