KOŠARAC: PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR LEGAL CONFRONTATION WITH CROATIA

SARAJEVO, APRIL 24 /SRNA/ – Trgovska Gora must not be used as a site for the storage or disposal of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, and documentation is being carefully prepared for a confrontation with Croatia in Geneva in May, Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Ministers Staša Košarac has stated.

"Our arguments are the result of research conducted on the territory of Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH, as well as credible consultations with an international law firm from Paris," Košarac emphasized. He noted that, in the case of Trgovska Gora, Croatia is violating, among other things, the Espoo and Aarhus Conventions, about which the competent bodies have been informed, along with evidence and arguments aimed at proving that Čerkezovac on Trgovska Gora does not meet any criteria for the safe storage or disposal of radioactive waste. "The law is on our side," Košarac stressed. Košarac added that the hearing with Croatia before the Espoo Convention Committee in Geneva is expected in May regarding the Trgovska Gora case. "Our team, composed of representatives of all relevant institutions in BiH, together with the international law firm Laborde Law from Paris, is fully engaged and carefully preparing the arguments," Košarac said. He reiterated that the goal is to demonstrate, based on legal arguments, that Čerkezovac on Trgovska Gora does not meet any criteria for the safe storage or disposal of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. Košarac also said that the competent Aarhus Convention Committee has been informed that Croatia violated the convention, which guarantees citizens the right to access information, participate in decision-making and seek judicial protection in environmental matters. At the same time, a recommendation was requested from the Committee regarding Croatia's compliance with the Aarhus Convention in the disputed Trgovska Gora project. According to him, activating international mechanisms and conventions aims to internationalize the issue and bring it into the focus of relevant international bodies. "I would especially like to express gratitude to the governments and relevant ministries of Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH, as well as all members of the expert team, local authorities, non-governmental organizations, and the academic community, who are making an immeasurable contribution to our efforts against the construction of the disputed facility at Trgovska Gora. We will not give up", Košarac posted on Instagram.