Josipović: Justice then reconciliation

Newly-elected Croatian President Ivo Josipovic said that relations between Serbia and Croatia are key to relations in the entire region. As far as the possibility of Croatia pulling its genocide suit against Serbia is concerned, Josipovic said that reconciliation is possible once justice has been served. Josipovic: Justice then reconciliation “For justice and a pulling of the suit a lot more must be done. We will leave that to time. I think these are all options that are possible and which are good for both nations,” Josipovic told Banja Luka daily Nezavisne novine. He said that it is not wise to force formulas from abroad for Bosnia-Herzegovina, and that the formula must be found by the three constitutive peoples on their own. “Everything imposed from the outside would be short-term,” Josipovic said, adding that stable and good relations with Bosnia and an excellent position in the international community for Bosnia are a strategic interest of Croatia. “The stability of the entire region depends on this,” he said. He said that when he comes to Bosnia, he will not only be visiting Sarajevo, but Banja Luka and Mostar as well. Asked whether he would support turning Bosnia-Herzegovina into three federal entities, one having a Croatian majority, Josipovic said that he absolutely supports this if the three communities agree to it. “The three peoples can make five entities, seven or 323 entities, as long as they reach an agreement and there is peace,” Josipovic said. Ivo Josipovic (Tanjug archive)

Josipović: Justice then reconciliation

“For justice and a pulling of the suit a lot more must be done. We will leave that to time. I think these are all options that are possible and which are good for both nations,” Josipović told Banja Luka daily Nezavisne novine.

He said that it is not wise to force formulas from abroad for Bosnia-Herzegovina, and that the formula must be found by the three constitutive peoples on their own.

“Everything imposed from the outside would be short-term,” Josipović said, adding that stable and good relations with Bosnia and an excellent position in the international community for Bosnia are a strategic interest of Croatia.

“The stability of the entire region depends on this,” he said.

He said that when he comes to Bosnia, he will not only be visiting Sarajevo, but Banja Luka and Mostar as well.

Asked whether he would support turning Bosnia-Herzegovina into three federal entities, one having a Croatian majority, Josipović said that he absolutely supports this if the three communities agree to it.

“The three peoples can make five entities, seven or 323 entities, as long as they reach an agreement and there is peace,” Josipović said.