SRPSKA HAS THE RIGHT TO LOBBY FOR ITS INTERESTS

BANJA LUKA, OCOBER 16 /SRNA/ – Željka Cvijanović, the Serb BiH Presidency member, says that Republika Srpska has every right to lobby for its interests in the United States, adding that this legitimate and lawful approach is causing concern among those who did not want to see the stereotypes about Srpska change.

Cvijanović notes that Republika Srpska also has the right to promote its interests in key international institutions, such as the United Nations and the UN Security Council.

"Furthermore, we want to attract more investment to Republika Srpska and strengthen our position globally so that our interests are better understood. We also want to finally break free from the stereotypes that have been imposed on us and maintained for at least 30 years," Cvijanović stressed.

She said that Republika Srpska’s approach is clearly provoking an outcry among those who did not want these stereotypes to change.

"In any case, elections have been held in BiH and Republika Srpska. We have received the support of the people and their message about what we should do - build relations with key global players and represent our own interests," Cvijanović told the Provjereno news portal.

She noted that it had not been possible to pursue such a policy at the level of BIh because official Sarajevo had used all available resources to discredit and smear Republika Srpska and call for sanctions against its leaders through illegitimate high representatives and the Constitutional Court of BiH where internationals sit.

Cvijanović stats that, despite all this, Republika Srpska remains stable and will form its executive government very quickly after the elections, working to further improve citizens’ living standards while attracting both foreign and local investment.

"We want and are seeking financial support for our economy and institutions. We are considering how to finance our needs as we enter the coming year, with the aim of ensuring stability. We are pursuing realistic policies and economic measures. We do not intend to take anything away from anyone, but we will defend our constitutional copetences without bowing to anyone," said Cvijanović, who, according to preliminary election results, convincingly won a second term as the Serb BiH Presidency member.