PETKOVIĆ: I EXPECT HIGH TURNOUT IN REFERENDUM AND FOR HIGHER AUTHORITIES TO RESPECT THE WILL OF CITIZENS

PETROVO, MAY 17 /SRNA/ - Petrovo Mayor Ozren Petković said that he expects a high turnout in today’s referendum in Sočkovac on the conducting of detailed geological surveys, adding that higher authorities should respect the will of the people.

Petković explained that the referendum is the implementation of a decision adopted by the Petrovo Municipal Assembly, and told the residents of Sočkovac that this is an opportunity to clearly express their position and officially confirm what they have been fighting for over the past four years. “I am convinced that all higher levels of government must respect the voice of the people,” Petković stressed. Even though the Ministry of Energy and Mining of Republika Srpska issued a decision, namely a permit, to the company engaged in geological exploration, Petković believes that the position of the citizens must be respected. As he said, residents have the right to decide on issues that directly affect their lives, property, and the future of their local community. Residents of the local community of Sočkovac in the municipality of Petrovo will vote today in a referendum on the conducting of detailed geological surveys in this area. A total of 757 citizens are eligible to vote on the question: “Are you in favor of conducting geological research in the area of the local community of Sočkovac?”, with the offered answers “yes” and “no.” Voting will be open until 19:00 at the Cultural Center building in Sočkovac. The Ministry of Energy and Mining of Republika Srpska approved a request from the company “Likos Balkan Metals” from Bijeljina to conduct detailed geological exploration to assess the presence of lead, zinc, copper, silver, gold, and associated metal deposits. In response, the municipality of Petrovo initiated administrative proceedings against the Ministry. The company “Likos Balkan Metals” informed Petković in writing that it would begin detailed geological exploration works on Friday, May 22, aimed at identifying deposits of lead, zinc, copper, silver, gold, and associated metals within the “Petrovo” exploration area. Environmental associations from this area have called on citizens through social media to gather in large numbers on May 22 at the site designated for the geological exploration works.