CVIJANOVIĆ: STATE THAT RELIES ON OTHERS TO SAVE IT IS A SAD STATE

BANJA LUKA, JUNE 25 /SRNA/ – The Serb member of the BiH Presidency Željka Cvijanović believes that any state that needs outsiders to save it is a sad state and that such a situation cannot be considered normal.

"BiH was supposedly being saved by Christian Schmidt, before him by a British, an Austrian. That is not normal. Now we have reached the point where it is allegedly to be saved by the future prime minister of the United Kingdom. In Republika Srpska, no one talks like that and no one thinks of calling on foreigners to intervene. Clearly, Sarajevo has a problem with its own identity and constantly seeks help from outside because it lacks confidence in its own abilities and potential", Cvijanović told ATV. She assessed that such times are now behind BiH. "There is no prime minister anywhere in the world who will continue harassing Republika Srpska simply because someone in BiH wants to settle scores with it. Everything that is dysfunctional in BiH originates in Sarajevo because certain political actors want to dominate and that is simply not possible", Cvijanović added. She emphasized that it is therefore important to preserve awareness of what Republika Srpska represents. "Republika Srpska is not an obstacle to anyone if it is respected. We will return that respect twofold to anyone who treats us with respect. Times have changed, and we have succeeded in making our voice heard internationally. Republika Srpska has not blocked anything, including BiH's European path and the era of usurpation is coming to an end", Cvijanović said. Asked about a possible candidacy for the Serb seat in the BiH Presidency in the upcoming general elections, Cvijanović said the decision would be made within SNSD, where she serves as vice president. She reiterated that Republika Srpska officials are fighting to present the truth about Republika Srpska. "Led by President Milorad Dodik, we have accomplished a great deal, and there is still more work to be done, but not at anyone else's expense. I believe in the success of Republika Srpska, and ultimately it is the citizens who decide", Cvijanović said. She stressed that Republika Srpska must continue to maintain a clear position in Banja Luka, Sarajevo and in international relations. "We need stable people who know how to do the job, not people who merely dream of holding office. A stable policy is necessary because many challenges lie ahead", Cvijanović concluded.