KOŠARAC: CALL TO BOYCOTT SERBIAN PRODUCTS - IMPOTENCE OF SARAJEVO POLITICS

JAHORINA, SEPTEMBER 14 /SRNA/ - Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations in the Council of Ministers Staša Košarac said today that calls to boycott products from Republika Srpska and Serbia are a consequence of the impotence of the current political establishment in Sarajevo and an attempt to radicalize the political scene.

Košarac pointed out that this is the policy of the "Troika", which is trying to remain in power in the FBiH and the cantons by radicalizing the political scene, as well as secure its position at the level of BiH institutions.

"This is the policy of /Elmedin/ Konaković. They have displayed maximum schizophrenia directed against the Serb people, Serbia and Republika Srpska," Košarac told reporters in Jahorina.

He asked whether those calling for a boycott would also be consistent when it comes to gas supplied to Sarajevo through Serbia, as well as imports of goods necessary for economic activity and agricultural production in FBiH.

"Will they say they do not want corn, that they do not want wheat, that they do not want flour? Then say so," Košarac said, recalling that Serbia has repeatedly demonstrated good-neighborly relations and accommodated Sarajevo's needs, including during the coronavirus pandemic.

Košarac said that calls for a boycott could also have consequences for the FBiH economy, pointing to companies headquartered in that entity that also operate in Republika Srpska.

"What about retail chains headquartered in the FBiH that have business units in Republika Srpska? Has anyone from Republika Srpska said that we should do this?" Košarac asked.

He pointed out that companies from the FBiH would suffer a significant imbalance in their operations if Republika Srpska responded in kind and called for a boycott of products from the Federation.

"Many companies in western Herzegovina would be left without the brands whose distribution they handle throughout BiH," Košarac said.

Speaking about the treatment of Serbs in the FBiH, Košarac said that, apart from calls for a boycott, there are also cases in which people lose their jobs, while Serbs are subjected to pressure because of their views and activities on social media.

"The only safe place for Serbs in BiH is Republika Srpska," Košarac said.

Košarac said that, according to his information, people are monitored to see what they "like" on social media, after which pressure is exerted on individuals, which he described as an attempt to "discipline the Serb people".

"You cannot discipline us. We have our own policy, our own foundation, our own national basis and a patriotic dimension that does not threaten any Bosniak or Croat," Košarac said.

According to him, Serbs in Republika Srpska are loyal to Republika Srpska and the Serb people, and he expressed regret that their compatriots in the FBiH are experiencing difficulties.

"We are patriots, we are Serbs, we hate no one, we wish everyone well, but we will not give up what is ours - we will defend and respect what is ours," Košarac said.

Košarac said that calls for a boycott are part of political populism that benefits no one, adding that political pressure on Republika Srpska is becoming increasingly ineffective, which is why the pressure is being shifted onto individuals.

"They are trying to vent their frustration on ordinary people because they liked some picture. Well, that is truly despicable and beneath any level," Košarac concluded.