CVIJANOVIĆ TO JNS: DEEP POLITICAL DIVISIONS IN BiH

JERUSALEM, JUNE 20 /SRNA/ – The Serb BiH Presidency member Željka Cvijanović, told the Jewish news agency Jerusalem News Syndicate /JNS/ that fellow Presidency members Denis Bećirović and Željko Komšić prevented her proposal to designate the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organisations from being placed on the agenda, which illustrates deep political divisions within BiH.

“I would say they opposed it partly because of their personal convictions, but also because of concerns about how such a decision would be received by the Sarajevo public,” Cvijanović said. She stated that long-standing ties between Iran and Bosniak political and military leaders date back to the war in BiH, referring to reports of continued Iranian influence in the country. “The CIA stated in its report last year that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps operates in BiH,” Cvijanović said. Cvijanović assessed that opposition to her proposal demonstrates the depth of political divisions in BiH. Speaking about Iran and the broader Middle East, Cvijanović said that many countries in the region view Tehran as a source of instability. “It has become clear that countries in the region regard Iran as the principal source of regional instability,” she said. At the same time, she expressed hope that diplomatic efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump could help reduce tensions. She added that, in this context, Trump's engagement, commitment, and determination were encouraging, resulting in a recent peace agreement with Iran. “As someone who has unfortunately experienced war and who considers peace an invaluable good, I sincerely hope that the agreement reached will lead to lasting peace, that Israel will be safe and secure, and that the entire Middle East will become more peaceful and stable,” Cvijanović emphasized. She also expressed hope that the region would be able to overcome recurring cycles of conflict and become a place of stability rather than a source of constant instability. For Cvijanović, that message is consistent with the one she intends to bring to Jerusalem. “My core message always includes words such as peace, dialogue, understanding, and cooperation. We are here to talk, solve problems, and deepen mutual understanding,” Cvijanović said ahead of her visit to Israel.