ŠPIRIĆ: HARMONIZATION OF DRAFT BUDGET SOON

SARAJEVO, MARCH 12 /SRNA/ – The Bill on the budget of institutions and international obligations of BiH for this year should soon be harmonized and submitted to parliamentary procedure, said today Nikola Špirić, the Deputy Chairman of the House of Peoples of the BiH Parliamentary Assembly.

Špirić pointed out that the procedure for adopting the budget is complicated, which is why the budget framework determined by the Fiscal Council should be respected, but a problem arose because the FBiH is requesting a review of the constitutionality of the Republika Srpska Government.

"The failure to adopt the budget is a problem for everyone in BiH and causes damage to all," Špirić stated.

Responding to claims by the Deputy Minister of Finance in the Council of Ministers, Muhamed Hasanović, that Republika Srpska officials are obstructing the adoption of the budget, Špirić said that Hasanović acts more like a deputy of the High Representative than a deputy minister of finance.

"Complaining to the OHR has not helped BiH. I am asking that we sit down together at the same table," Špirić said, emphasizing that he is concerned about the general lack of willingness among Bosniaks to engage in dialogue and their expectation that someone will solve everything in BiH.

Špirić expressed understanding for the announced protests by employees of BiH institutions because the procedure for adopting the law that would increase their salaries has still not been completed.

Speaking about the European path, Špirić said it could be unblocked, meaning there is room for small progress, but that Bosniaks do not want this and are waiting for someone from outside to bring a solution to BiH.

Špirić pointed out that the issue of opening the new bridge in Gradiška must be resolved because everyone is paying the price, stressing that there will be no progress until everyone acts in accordance with the law.

He said that the pre-election campaign has already begun and that SNSD is ready, as he put it, to move things forward where there is a basic agreement.

The SNSD, Špirić emphasizes, is the strongest political party in terms of election results, acts only within the Constitution and the law, and talks with both Bosniaks and Croats who were legitimately elected.

"We are partners. The voters said so in the elections," Špirić told Euronews, adding that the Republika Srpska opposition is not sufficient for any solution