GOGANOVIĆ WITH ŠEKERINSKA: NATO EXPECTS SWIFT FORMATION OF GOVERNMENT, SNSD INDISPENSABLE PARTNER

BRUSSELS, OCTOBER 13 /SRNA/ – Deputy Minister of Defence in the Council of Ministers Aleksandar Goganović met today with NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska at NATO headquarters in Brussels to discuss continued cooperation, the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme /ITPP/ and the Reform Programme.

Following the meeting, Goganović told SRNA that the discussion with Šekerinska had taken place in a pleasant and constructive atmosphere, particularly given that she comes from the region and has an excellent understanding of the political relations in BiH. "During the talks, NATO representatives expressed their wish for the government in BiH to be formed as quickly as possible following the elections. I emphasised that the SNSD, headed by Milorad Dodik, is the outright winner of the elections in Republika Srpska and that it will not be possible to form a government at the state level without recognising this political fact," Goganović stressed. During his meeting with Šekerinska, he emphasised that Republika Srpska was committed to peace, stability and dialogue, and that cooperation with NATO should continue with full respect for the Dayton Peace Agreement and the political positions of Republika Srpska. Goganović also said that he had shared with Šekerinska the positive experiences gained through previous cooperation with NATO representatives in BiH. "As Deputy Minister of Defence, I can confirm that we have constructive and professional cooperation, based on mutual respect, with the Commander of NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo, Brigadier General James Fowler, and Ambassador Vladimir Vučinić, Head of NATO’s Political Section," Goganović said. The meeting with Šekerinska was also attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Council of Ministers Josip Brkić and Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff of the BiH Armed Forces, Major General Mirsad Ahmić.