REPUBLIKA SRPSKA GOVERNMENT WAS NOT FORMED THROUGH INTERVENTIONISM LIKE FBiH GOVERNMENT

SARAJEVO, SEPTEMBER 9 /SRNA/ - Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers Staša Košarac stated today that the Government of Republika Srpska is legal and legitimate, reflecting the position of the Republika Srpska National Assembly, and was not formed through interventionism like the Government of the Federation of BiH /FBiH/.

Commenting on the appeal submitted to the Constitutional Court of BiH by the "Troika" MPs seeking a review of the constitutionality of the new Republika Srpska Government, Košarac said that Republika Srpska has sovereignty, and that in Srpska, decisions are made by legally and legitimately elected bodies as an expression of the will of its citizens.

"It is a very clear fact that Republika Srpska is stable and that its institutions operate in accordance with the Constitution. On the other hand, we see acceptance of occupation by the so-called High Representative. The `Troika` accepts this occupation, but we do not. We consider it legitimate that decisions are made within the institutions of Republika Srpska," Košarac said at a press conference in Sarajevo.

He also asked whether the FBiH Government is legitimate, describing the appeal as classic local politicking, an expression of weakness, and a pathological struggle against Republika Srpska.

"Did the `Troika` appeal to the Constitutional Court to determine the legitimacy and legality of the FBiH government?" Košarac asked.

He also asked what the parties from the FBiH have to do with the institutions of Republika Srpska, other than being part of a political arsenal against Republika Srpska.

"When have the parties from Republika Srpska ever raised an issue regarding the FBiH, even though they naturally have the capacity at the level of BiH institutions?" Košarac asked, reiterating that today's appeal is an expression of a pathological need to harm Republika Srpska.

He also believes that this is an attempt by the `Troika` to position themselves with the Bosniak electorate ahead of next year’s elections, out of fear of the SDA's comeback.

"They are counting on the idea that the more they mention Milorad Dodik's name and attack the institutions of Republika Srpska, the more votes they will get from the Bosniak electorate," said Košarac, who also serves as Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations in the Council of Ministers.

The minister added that the `Troika` officials should focus on developing the FBiH, and that Republika Srpska will never be an obstacle for them. He also said that statements from certain FBiH officials indicating that they will not cooperate with Republika Srpska’s institutions represent a lasting problem for BiH.

"It is obvious that someone wants a lasting problem, and the best response to all of this is a referendum," Košarac stated.