MINISTRY OF FINANCE REJECTS INACCURATE AND MALICIOUS STATEMENTS BY KONAKOVIĆ

BANJA LUKA, DECEMBER 30 /SRNA/ – The Ministry of Finance of Republika Srpska has rejected what it described as inaccurate and malicious statements made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Council of Ministers Elmedin Konaković stating that by spreading hostility toward Republika Srpska he is further complicating relations with the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina /FBiH/.

"Mr. Konaković, at a time of peace and reconciliation, when the majority of citizens of Republika Srpska and the FBiH are spending the holidays in a family atmosphere, such statements are unbecoming, as the facts are as follows: Republika Srpska has recorded economic growth for 19 consecutive quarters, which cannot be disputed, as these are official data of the Republika Srpska Institute of Statistics," the Ministry said in a message addressed to Konaković.

Commenting on his statement that "the FBiH is carrying Republika Srpska on its back," the Ministry of Finance told SRNA that claims suggesting Republika Srpska lives at the expense of the FBiH are absolutely false, stressing that such assertions can only be made by someone unfamiliar with the fiscal system of BiH.

"Mr. Konaković, do not concern yourself with Republika Srpska or spread inaccurate and malicious information about alleged `looting`. Instead, focus on BiH, which is clearly not functioning," the Ministry emphasized.

Stating that it is far from true that Republika Srpska lives at the expense of the FBiH, the Ministry recalled that Republika Srpska is owed funds by the FBiH under a 2018 ruling of the Court of BiH, which have still not been paid, not to mention issues related to the distribution of revenues from road tolls.

"We suggest that you refrain from negative and malicious comments toward Republika Srpska and instead ensure that the bridge over the Sava River is opened, as the current situation is causing enormous damage to the entire BiH. It has also been announced that due to this situation, a neighboring country will initiate a lawsuit against BiH," the Ministry of Finance of Republika Srpska stated.