CVIJANOVIĆ: PROTECTING REPUBLIKA SRPSKA'S INTERESTS IS PRIORITY

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 13 /SRNA/ – The Serb BiH Presidency member Željka Cvijanović has stated today that her priorities in the new BiH Presidency convocation will remain the same as during her previous four-year term, namely the protection of Republika Srpska's interests and its constitutional capacity.

"It is necessary to defend what constitutes the constitutional capacity of Republika Srpska, its institutional strength and the interests of its citizens," Cvijanović said in an SRNA podcast, who according to the BiH general elections preliminary results secured a convincing victory for a new term as the Serb Presidency member.

She stressed that her goal was to keep changing some negative preconceptions about Republika Srpska internationally.

"When we talk about this, a great deal of work has certainly been done, and we will continue at the same pace. What we do is not to the detriment of others in BiH, but we want everything to serve the purpose of ensuring greater fairness towards Republika Srpska and recognising what it represents in constitutional terms," Cvijanović, who is also an SNSD deputy leader, stated firmly.

In her view, it is necessary to continue the efforts aimed at economic development, as well as ensuring fair treatment of Republika Srpska and safeguarding its interests.

Regarding the SNSD, Cvijanović said that the political party operates as a well-coordinated team as its convincing election victory proves it.

"We rely on our structure in the ground, the policies we announce publicly, and what we do individually and as a party, with the aim of implementing our established programme. The citizens recognised this, which is what matters most," Cvijanović emphasised.

She said she had never doubted that the SNSD would achieve a major electoral victory, both in terms of individual races and at the parliamentary level.

"The SNSD's advantage is that it is always a functional party and responds appropriately in all circumstances. The party’s political capital is the one to enjoy public support even when certain policies need to be pursued more firmly, and then to move into a period in which stability is guaranteed. Simply, we are aware that the interests of the Republic must not be betrayed," Cvijanović stressed.

She noted that the citizens had recognised all of this in the elections, which is exceptional.

"We hold a dominant position following the elections. It proves the citizens have recognised our work, programme and goals. It is essential that we have a strong voice in Sarajevo, continue developing local communities in Republika Srpska and remain actively engaged at the international level," Cvijanović said.

She reiterated that the SNSD did not seek to choose representatives for any other constituent people in BiH.

"The political options available in the FBiH will show what kind of agreement can be reached at the state level in order to form the parliamentary majority necessary for the institutions to function. We are now at a stage where it is clear that HDZ BiH has achieved a significant victory, and it remains to be seen what the Bosniak side will do. We have the capacity to assume responsibility and participate in the process on the basis of the full legitimacy granted to us by Republika Srpska citizens," Cvijanović concluded.