MINIĆ: ISSUES OF VETERANS AND SOCIAL CATEGORIES SYSTEMATICALLY RESOLVED, SRPSKA HAS NEVER BEEN MORE STABLE FINANCIALLY

Republika Srpska's financial stability has been preserved, a strong investment cycle has been launched. This was a people's government, it got closer to the citizens, we talked with them about all topics, solved many things, and put many in the procedure, said Prime Minister Savo Minić.

Interviewed by: Darko ŠAVIJA BANJA LUKA, JULY 22 /SRNA/ - The Prime Minister of the Republika Srpska Savo Minić said that the current convocation of the Government in the first six months of work realized most of the goals set by the exposition and that for the first time the issues of the rights of veterans, parents, caregivers and several social categories were systematically resolved. In an interview with SRNA, Minić said that at the same time financial stability was preserved, the regularity of all budget payments and a strong investment cycle was launched. Prime Minister Minić pointed out that, despite numerous political and economic challenges, the Government managed to solve problems that had been regulated by temporary measures for years. "We have mostly realized all what was included in the Government's work plan in the exposition that I presented to the National Assembly and to the citizens of Republika Srpska for the first, second and third time," Minić said. He emphasized that certain reforms reguired more time, but that the Government managed to bring systemic solutions. "In this period, we managed to solve some things that have been solved ad hoc for years, they were solved at the end of the year in such a way that was not systemic. Now we have solved it systematically and I am proud of that," Minić said. SYSTEMATICALLY RESOLVED RIGHTS OF VETERANS AND FOSTER PARENTS Minić singled out the new law on the rights of combatants and the law relating to caring parents as the biggest results, along with an increase in the maternity allowance and the rights of families with four or more children. "These are things that share the first place in terms of importance. Believe that we were honest partners in all of this, and I think that is the only key to success," said Minić. According to him, the discussions with foster parents were, in a certain way, among the most difficult that the Government conducted. "I remember those meetings, especially with foster parents, at which we all had tears in our eyes thinking about that people, their lives, the way of life, people that they are taking care of, someone that they love the most in this world," said Minić. He added that the goal was to show responsibility of institutions through systemic solution, but also to ensure the long-term security of the beneficiaries. Talking about the law on veterans' rights, Minić reminded that for the first time, it included the fighters of the Republic of Srpska Krajina. "We have determined the veteran's allowance, which is properly systematized, which has been increased, and we have created the possibility of a double veteran's allowance for those for whom it is the only source of income," said Minić. He noted that the most sensitive categories of the population were specially recognized. "I believe that we have shown extremely great responsibility, but also readiness. This Government has passed and proposed a series of systemic laws, which I consider to be the greatest success," Minić assessed. GOVERNEMENT CLOSER TO CITIZENS The Prime Minister assessed that one of the most important goals of the Government of Srpska's work was bringing the institutions closer to the citizens, stressing that he was satisfied with the work of the ministers. "I think we have shown greater openness, transparency and work on the ground. Government sessions that were held throughout Republika Srpska and that were broadcast live allowed citizens to see what the work of the Government looks like and that it is not some closed door, but decisions that concern their lives," said Minić. He added that the goal was to build citizens' trust in institutions. "This was a people's government in the sense that we got closer to the citizens, talked with them about all topics, solved many things, and put many in the procedure," said Minić. LIFTING OF SANCTIONS OPENED SPACE FOR INVESTMENTS Minić believes that one of the key moments for Republika Srpska was the lifting of American sanctions against the highest officials of Srpska. "It is a huge job. It will be talked about. We are not yet aware of what happened. It has never happened that in one day thirty or so persons were removed from OFAC's list," said Minić. He pointed out that this process opened the possibility for a new investment cycle. "Most of all, President Milorad Dodik and the Serb member of the BiH Presidency Željka Cvijanović managed to do this huge diplomatic job. The government was given a chance and I think we used that chance," Minić added. SRBSKA SOLVENT, ALL OBLIGATIONS ARE PAID ON TIME Speaking about budget rebalancing and finances, Minić emphasized that Republika Srpska is financially extremely stable. "Our indebtedness is below all indebtedness, not in the region, but also below those indebtedness that world organizations put as indebtedness. The difference between indebtedness and overindebtedness is huge. At this moment, Republika Srpska is extremely stable, to say the least, both financially and institutionally," says Minić. According to him, all budget obligations are settled without delay, citing allowances, salaries, pensions. "We paid the premium for the delivered wheat immediately after the harvest. Tell me one obligation where the Government of Republika Srpska is late. One credit obligation or one supplier to which we are in arrears. There are none," said Minić. He added that it is therefore important for citizens to know that Srpska is absolutely solvent, financially extremely stable and that it is institutionally functioning without any problems. GROWTH OF EMPLOYMENT, INVESTMENT AND SAVINGS Minić stated that the economic indicators confirm the progress of Republika Srpska, which records an increase in the number of employees and a decrease in the number of unemployed, as well as an increase in GDP, savings and economy and citizens, salaries, pensions and investments. "These are exact data that confirm all this," said Minić and added that Republika Srpska has never been better since its founding. CONTINUATION OF MEASURES TO PRESERVE STANDARDS Minić emphasized that the Government will continue with measures that contribute to preserving the standard of living of citizens, which he believes is better. "We have an indicator that the savings of the citizens of Srpska increased by BAM 339 million in the first six months. As a percentage, it is 6.2 percent. Of course, there are citizens who live hard, that is a fact, but we also have constant requests for the import of labor," said Minić. He reminded that the measures limiting the margins on basic foodstuffs were maintained, as well as support for the economy and agriculture through a refund of 10 pfennigs per liter of fuel. "Every morning in the Government begins with an analysis of the price of oil, oil derivatives and certain raw materials. Each time we were one step ahead and announced measures," said Minić. He recalled that the Government considered canceling certain measures, but that due to the events in the Middle East and the rise in the price of oil, it decided to keep them.