Balkans | Bosnia and Herzegovina Foreign Minister Turkovic: All indications are that the Serbian leader Dodik has become more extremist

Becera Turkovic, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted that all signs and rhetoric show that the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, has become more extreme.

Turković answered AA reporter’s questions on several issues such as his country’s attainment of EU candidate status and the way Croatian politician Borgana Cristo, who was charged with forming the government, will follow the NATO and EU membership process.

Minister Turković said that celebrations for Republika Srpska Day, which was celebrated on January 9 and known to be unconstitutional, were held near Sarajevo during Dodik’s reign, saying, “We are worried, especially the people of Sarajevo.” made his comment.

Explaining that in this period when the government is trying to establish itself and everyone is trying to come together at the lowest possible denominator, Turković said that this is not good and that Dodik suddenly took an extreme position and said: “All the signs and speeches show that he (Dodik) has become more extreme.” Use his statements.

Becera Turkovich said:

“No matter what concessions you make, he doesn’t respect them and wants more. There is a saying in Bosnia and Herzegovina ‘If you lay a finger on someone, they want their whole hand’ I think we are seeing that proverb being applied. The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is rather difficult.” .

Going further, Turkovich said, noting that everyone talks about equality and the protection of human rights, but the opposite happens and that this is a very serious matter.

“If a weak approach is taken, the expectations of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina may not be met”

Asked how Croatian politician Borgana Cristo, who was charged with forming the government after the elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina on October 2, will follow NATO and European Union membership, Turkovic said: “We don’t know what will happen. At the moment, they say, their direction is It is moving in this direction (progress towards membership in NATO and the European Union). gave the answer.

Expressing his vision of many contradictions in attitudes towards NATO, Turković said that if this inconsistent approach continues, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina will not be able to achieve what is expected of them.

The approval of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU candidacy status is an important step

Turkovic said that the approval of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU candidacy status is an important step, and said it would be better if the candidacy status was approved before the elections, so that people would have an important indication about their fate and where to go.

Turkovic expressed his gratitude to all countries that contributed to the development of his country’s candidate, but this is just the beginning and stated that there are 14 prerequisites.

Turkovic expressed hope that the government that will be formed after the elections will work as seriously as the current one, “I am confident that they will reach the result under the circumstances. They are really spending their time and effort trying to bring us closer to the European Union.” Use his statements.

“If anyone understands Bosnia and Herzegovina, we should not forget that it is Turkey”

Noting that the relations between Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina were at an excellent level during his tenure as foreign minister, Turkovic stressed that the relations between the two countries were good not only in this period but also in the past 30 years.

“It is seen that the relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey are at an excellent level, especially during the presidency of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu,” Turkovic said. He said.

Underlining that Turkey not only contributes to Bosnia and Herzegovina but also to building peace and stability in the Western Balkans, Turkovic emphasized, “However, all other countries have to maintain a political position that will improve their economies and open up to dialogue. Which Western Balkan countries need in order to adapt.” . He said.

Minister Turković stated that there is a very strong relationship between the ethnic groups in BiH, especially between the Bosnian and Turkish peoples, and noted that the common history and goals of the two countries are almost the same.

Turkovich continued:

“Given that we have a common history, our history and aspirations are very much the same. Turkey is a NATO member and we aim to become a NATO member. Turkey has had EU candidate status for many years. We have also been fighting for EU candidacy status And we succeeded recently.

Noting that there are many factors on which the friendship between the two countries can be based, the partnership that fights for equality, and efforts to implement the principles of the United Nations, Turkovic said, “I believe that if there is a country that understands Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially the Balkans, we must not forget that it is Turkey “. is over.

AA