SDA BLOCKING GROWTH PLAN ADOPTION

BANJA LUKA, APRIL 12 /SRNA/ - No one wants the European path to be finally unblocked more than Republika Srpska, but the adoption of the Growth Plan for BiH was blocked by four cantons in the Federation of BiH, with the SDA is in power, the Office of the Minister for European Integration and International Cooperation of Republika Srpska announced.

The statement emphasizes that no one wants more than Republika Srpska to return the focus to accession negotiations and adopt the Growth Plan for BiH.

"Such extremely important document would help the economy, bring us closer to the EU and concretely benefit the citizens," indicated the Office of Minister Zlatan Klokić.

The press release points out that the SDA is blocking the adoption of the Growth Plan as it is not currently in power either in the FBiH or at the level of the joint institutions of BiH, so the current government achieving any progress does not suit them.

"In other words, they don't want their political opponents to get points, even if it means the citizens failing to benefit from this plan," stated the Office of the Minister for European Integration and International Cooperation of Republika Srpska.

The statement adds there are attempts to use this process for the centralization of BiH, i.e. to transfer the competences held by the entities and cantons to the level of BiH, which is contrary to the Constitution.

"Instead of all of us working together for progress, certain politicians complicate the situation, call into question things that have already been agreed upon and try to present as if only the level of BiH can lead European integration, which is not true, because all levels of government, including Republika Srpska, participate in that process," the statement reads.

The Office of Minister has noted that BiH is currently the only country in the Western Balkans that has not yet adopted this important document, despite the efforts of local and European partners.

"Republika Srpska supports the path to the EU and is doing everything necessary to fulfill its obligations. But, that path must be in accordance with the Constitution of BiH and the agreed coordination mechanism," the statement reads.