Serbia, Republic of Srpska boost ties

Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica and President Boris Tadic visited the Republic of Srpska (RS) Thursday. They said in Banja Luka that the Council for Cooperation between Serbia and the Bosnian Serb entity, which was formed today, will create "even better conditions for cooperation, excellent until now." Serbia, Republic of Srpska boost ties Serbia's top politicians met with RS president and prime minister, Milan Jelic and Milorad Dodik. The agreement on establishing special parallel relations between Serbia and RS was signed a year ago, while it was ratified this year in Serbian and RS parliaments. Kostunica stressed that there is "an intensive cooperation in regional development and common values" and strong determination of Serbia, RS and Bosnia to enter the EU. “Excellent cooperation has thus far been realized in telecommunications, insurance and banking and we are looking to extend it by integrating our electricity industries and sharing the use of water resources,” he said. Tadic reiterated that Serbia wished to contribute to stability and close cooperation in the region. “Serbia is interested not just in cooperating with the Republic of Srpska but also with all of Bosnia, which speaks in favor of the fact that Serbia respects all international acts, including the Dayton Agreement.” He went on to explain that Serbia respected the Kumanovo Agreement as well, and the UN SC Resolution 1244. “It is only in this manner that we can treat the legal basis for further realization and establishment of stability in the entire region, keeping in mind all political processes with which we are confronted,” said Tadic. RS President Milan Jelic announced the next session of the newly formed council will be held in Belgrade in October. “Today we have discussed efficient establishment of regional links so that Stabilization and Association agreements with the EU can be signed as soon as possible,” he said. Jelic said it was agreed to form a joint goods reserve for Serbia and RS, which would be of great use to the latter. Dodik was next to address the reporters. “Our two governments are planning the joint construction of hydro power plants in Buk Bijela and Foca,” he said. Kostunica, Tadic and their RS colleagues visited the Church of Jesus the Savior in Banja Luka, built between two world wars, destroyed during the Second World War. Its reconstruction began in 1993, while the first service was held ten years later, in 2003. Milan Jelic, Vojislav Kostunica and Boris Tadic in Banja Luka (FoNet)

Serbia, Republic of Srpska boost ties

Serbia's top politicians met with RS president and prime minister, Milan Jelić and Milorad Dodik.

The agreement on establishing special parallel relations between Serbia and RS was signed a year ago, while it was ratified this year in Serbian and RS parliaments.

Koštunica stressed that there is "an intensive cooperation in regional development and common values" and strong determination of Serbia, RS and Bosnia to enter the EU.

“Excellent cooperation has thus far been realized in telecommunications, insurance and banking and we are looking to extend it by integrating our electricity industries and sharing the use of water resources,” he said.

Tadić reiterated that Serbia wished to contribute to stability and close cooperation in the region.

“Serbia is interested not just in cooperating with the Republic of Srpska but also with all of Bosnia, which speaks in favor of the fact that Serbia respects all international acts, including the Dayton Agreement.”

He went on to explain that Serbia respected the Kumanovo Agreement as well, and the UN SC Resolution 1244.

“It is only in this manner that we can treat the legal basis for further realization and establishment of stability in the entire region, keeping in mind all political processes with which we are confronted,” said Tadić.

RS President Milan Jelić announced the next session of the newly formed council will be held in Belgrade in October.

“Today we have discussed efficient establishment of regional links so that Stabilization and Association agreements with the EU can be signed as soon as possible,” he said.

Jelić said it was agreed to form a joint goods reserve for Serbia and RS, which would be of great use to the latter.

Dodik was next to address the reporters.

“Our two governments are planning the joint construction of hydro power plants in Buk Bijela and Foča,” he said.

Koštunica, Tadić and their RS colleagues visited the Church of Jesus the Savior in Banja Luka, built between two world wars, destroyed during the Second World War.

Its reconstruction began in 1993, while the first service was held ten years later, in 2003.