GOGANOVIĆ: "FINAL SAY" BELONGS TO COMPETENT INSTITUTIONS, NOT HELEZ

SARAJEVO, SEPTEMBER 23 /SRNA/ - In countries governed by the rule of law, the final say belongs to the competent institutions, not individuals, as Zukan Helez claims, Deputy Defense Minister in the Council of Ministers Aleksandar Goganović said, adding that Republika Srpska would protect the two dismissed members of the Armed Forces of BiH.

Goganović told SRNA that Helez was playing the "tough guy" with the two members of the Armed Forces of BiH while, at the same time, Serb member of the BiH Presidency Željka Cvijanović was talking to Suzie Wiles, chief of staff to US President Donald Trump, President Milorad Dodik was meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and would soon also meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"That contrast speaks for itself," Goganović said.

Goganović asked Helez why he did not tell the public with the same zeal that the Ministry of Defense had initiated proceedings against Second Lieutenant Mesud Selimović over footage from Manjača during a military exercise.

"If he is already conducting proceedings through the media, then let him talk about everyone. The rules must be the same for everyone, regardless of name or nationality," Goganović said.

He said that the two members of the Armed Forces of BiH would not be left on their own, as Republika Srpska would provide them with dignified living and working conditions.

"While political Sarajevo is undermining confidence in common institutions, we will strengthen Republika Srpska and its international credibility as a factor of peace, stability and security. Let them try to demonstrate power over individuals - we will show that Republika Srpska does not abandon its people," Goganović stressed.

The Ministry of Defense decided to dismiss the two soldiers for glorifying General Ratko Mladić.

Helez said yesterday that the two members of the Armed Forces of BiH would be dismissed from duty, adding that the procedure had taken some time because of delays, but that in the end "the final say was his."