CVIJANOVIĆ: COOPERATION WITH NATO DOES NOT IMPLY MEMBERSHIP

SARAJEVO, November 9 /SRNA/ - Serbian member of the BiH Presidency Željka Cvijanović stated that cooperation with NATO should continue to develop, emphasizing that the Reform Program does not in any way prejudge membership.

Cvijanović reminded that the position of Republika Srpska institutions on the issue of membership remains neutral. "We do not wish to join any military alliances. This level of cooperation suits us perfectly. We have good relations," Cvijanović said.

She noted that there have never been problems with NATO structures regarding cooperation, stressing that the problems lie within BiH itself.

"I recently heard a ridiculous claim that the Americans have set a condition that BiH must join NATO before Christian Schmidt lifts sanctions. I read that and couldn't believe it. Imagine, then, that the U.S. would set a condition that we appoint a chief negotiator for the EU. Anyone following this even slightly knows such a thing cannot be a condition," Cvijanović said, adding that she will not speculate about what may happen in 20 or 30 years.

The Serbian member of the Presidency pointed out that the current U.S. administration is interested solely in peace.

Speaking about cooperation with Serbia, Cvijanović said that the relationship is good and that there has been "no cooling of ties."

Cvijanović also said that she does not choose between BRICS and the United States.

"BRICS has its own offer and is developing its own platform. How successful it is or isn't can be assessed differently - both through political and economic parameters," Cvijanović told "Istraga.ba".