KRIŠTO: DRAFT BUDGET OF BAM 1.57 BILLION ADOPTED

SARAJEVO, NOVEMBER 4 /SRNA/ – The Council of Ministers today adopted the Draft Budget of BiH institutions and international obligations in the amount of BAM 1.57 billion, which has been forwarded to the Presidency of BiH as the authorized proposer.

Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers Borjana Krišto stated that the Council also adopted decisions concerning the payment of allowances to employees of BiH institutions and signatories of collective agreements, due to the delay in adopting this year's budget.

She noted that the Council of Ministers did not discuss or vote on her proposal to establish the Office of the Chief Negotiator with the EU, as that item was not included in the agenda due to a lack of consent from the Bosniak ministers and the minister representing the others Edin Forto.

"I regret that the decision we've been discussing for days was not adopted. It is our obligation to appoint a chief negotiator. Unfortunately, political maneuvering has entered our ranks today when it comes to the EU," Krišto said.

She explained that ministers Zukan Helez, Elmedin Konaković, Sevlid Hurtić, and Edin Forto opposed the idea of the chief negotiator being from the SNSD, claiming that such individuals are "blocking the European path".

"I haven't heard from anyone that we've changed our foreign policy course — it remains our permanent commitment," Krišto emphasized.

She concluded that it is the responsibility of BiH institutions to ensure the appointment of the chief EU negotiator as soon as possible.