CVIJANOVIĆ: TRUMP ADMINISTRATION RECOGNIZES LIMITATIONS FACING BiH

BANJA LUKA, DECEMBER 17 /SRNA/ – The Serb member of the Presidency of BiH Željka Cvijanović has stated that Republika Srpska and its institutions appreciate the policy of US President Donald Trump and the current American administration, which has demonstrated a pragmatic approach.

Cvijanović has said that current US policy is not primarily focused on the Balkans, that it is balanced and does not favor anyone, which is exactly what Republika Srpska seeks—namely, not to be sidelined, as was the case in the previous period. "They wanted no one to be the ‘underdog,’ as our people say, but for everyone to be treated equally. This was reflected in the rather unusual decision to lift sanctions on so many individuals and legal entities, as happened in our case," Cvijanović stressed for Radio Republika Srpska. She stated she was grateful for this move, noting that it showed there was no desire for anyone from Republika Srpska to face limitations compared with others from a different entity or national groups. Cvijanović said the current US administration recognized which issues were outdated and which represented constraints for BiH, adding that within the new structure she has not heard anyone praise the so-called Bonn powers—quite the opposite, she has heard very different views. She added that the current US administration does not consider it acceptable for an individual to stand above democratic institutions and act as a parliament or a government, distributing other people’s money, as Christian Schmidt does. "For me, these are definitely good and favorable developments. They clearly show a much healthier, more normal, and more mature attitude toward democracy than we have seen before," Cvijanović said, adding that she expects further steps from the US administration in the coming period that will benefit everyone. She noted that such views are largely absent in Europe, except among a few individuals, pointing out that some in the EU advocate policies they would never allow in their own countries. Cvijanović reminded that she spoke in Zagreb with US Ambassador to Croatia Nicole McGraw, adding that she recognized a strong emphasis on economic diplomacy and announcements of US investments. She said she did not know when a US ambassador to BiH would be appointed, adding that Republika Srpska, as well as the Federation of BiH, maintained good cooperation with Charge d’Affaires John Ginkel. "The Southern Interconnection project should demonstrate interest and economic presence in this region. I expect it to be expanded, along with other initiatives that could be beneficial for us," Cvijanović added. Commenting on today’s EU–Western Balkans Summit, Cvijanović said that such meetings are attended by the chair of the Presidency, who presents only his own political views unless a position has been agreed with the other two members. "He may have his own political position and certainly has the right to present it. When I was chair, I also presented my political position, but unlike some of my colleagues, at least one of them, I was always open in stating whether it was my view as a Presidency member or a jointly agreed position. If I had consent, I said so; if not, I made it clear that I was not representing the entire BiH, because that is simply not possible. I represent Republika Srpska in the Presidency," Cvijanović explained. Speaking about Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s absence from the summit, Cvijanović has said that he knows the reasons for it, adding that Serbia is the most organized, strongest, and most substantial country in the Western Balkans.