"Even Serbia and Russia wouldn't recognize RS"

"Even Serbia and Russia wouldn't recognize RS"

When asked about the Serb Republic's "aspirations for independence," he said that the president of the entity, Milorad Dodik, "used it to consolidate his power," while "the first country that would not recognize it, at least in the coming years, is Serbia."

According to Ivanic, this is because "otherwise, Belgrade would have to say that Kosovo's independence is a reality."

Ivanic expressed his doubt that even Russia would have an interest to support the independence of the RS.

At the same time he was quoted as stressing that he does not believe that "emotional ties with Serbia" have a negative impacts on Bosnia.

"We believe that our ethnic roots are there," said he, and continued: "What's the problem with that. I also think it's fair stance that Serbia 'loves the RS, but accepts the existence and integrity of the Dayton Bosnia."

Ivanic is convinced that Bosnia's Council of Ministers will be established during the first days of February and that in March and April this body "could solve the problems related to the road towards the EU."

Asked when he thought Bosnia would join the EU, he said: "Not in 10 years, but maybe in 15, that is, I hope in 20."

He then said that "controversial subjects should be avoided in order to prevent a deadlock in the government," and noted there were "three different views in Bosnia":

"Mr. Bakir Izetbegovic wants a unified Bosnia, preferably without entities, but he knows that this is not possible. I'd like to see an independent RS the most, but I know that's not possible. Dragan Covic has the idea of ​​a third entity, but we know that we are not united on that. So it is better to leave it aside. Our generation of politicians is not able to solve it."

Ivanic believes that "everyone has become more mature, as has the international community," noting that ten years ago there was "an idealistic idea about as many as possible national institutions and as much Bosnia as possible":

"But this is not the case, because now there are institutions that do almost nothing and are now a problem. There is a government commission for concessions that has not issued a single concession in ten years," said Ivanic.

Speaking about himself and two other members of the presidency, he then that "three serious politicians are currently in the presidency" and that there was "no other institution, including the Council of Ministers, with such serious politicians."

"This means that the presidency will be in focus, and will, as their parties are in the Council of Ministers, have an impact on that body," Ivanic is convinced.

He stressed that it is necessary to send a message that Bosnia is a place "where decisions can be made and not the end of the world, and although complicated, is not so inefficient."

"I've been in politics long enough to know that what's "'fashionable' is a part of international politics. If someone starts talking about Bosnia as not being so bad then others will immediately start to say the same thing. It is about its image and about nobody fearing to come to Bosnia," he said.

Ivanic spoke in favor of a reduction of the public sector on all levels, and added that in this regard the greatest pressure will be on the Federation (FBiH) entity. Unlike the Serb Republic, this Muslim (Bosniak)-Croat entity is further subdivided into cantons, and according to Ivanic, "realistically, ten cantons is too much."

"I see no reason why individual cantons cannot be connected, such as Sarajevo and Gorazde," he said.

Asked what he thought about a third, separate entity for Croats, Ivanic said there was "no reason in the RS to 'provoke' the Dayton Agreement" - referring to the peace deal that ended the 1992-95 war in Bosnia.

"It's a matter for the Federation, Croats and Bosniaks must find a solution. I will accept every agreement they reach provided that it is not against the RS," he underlined, noting that "Dayton is no problem if there is the will to reach agreement."