In April Russia has provided humanitarian assistance to the Republic of Srpska in the fight against coronavirus – two weeks worked Russian specialists in disinfection and medical teams. Meanwhile, the authorities refused to allow the same assistance, designed the hospital in Mostar. What happened?
Peter Ivantsov: Indeed, in connection with the appeal of a member of the presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina of the Serbian people of Milorad Dodik in April for two weeks, the Russian team worked in the Republika Srpska, by disinfection of key health facilities in 10 cities and providing assistance to local health staff. As we can see the evaluation of this work is the highest, members of the brigade were even awarded by the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik has sent a message of thanks for assistance to the President of Russia Vladimir Putin, Ministers of foreign Affairs and defence, the chief of NBC troops. Here especially appreciate the assistance of Russia, arrived promptly, and realize that our situation is not the most prosperous. All this in the Republika Srpska regarded as evidence of the special fraternal relations with Russia, what is absolutely right. The Russian team was well accepted in the Republic, it was created all conditions for work and rest, we heartily thank you Banja Luka for such careful attention, the professionalism of its doctors.
Subsequently, a similar request for help in the disinfection of healthcare facilities in Mostar, we were approached by Bosnian Croat leader, the Chairman house of peoples parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dragan Covic. Appropriate positive decision in the short term was also accepted by the Russian leadership, it was assumed that the Russian team will arrive in Bosnia and Herzegovina from Serbia may 1 and will proceed to Mostar to the task. With the help of our partners in the country, we very quickly agreed on the numerous logistical and technical issues but with the permission to border crossing problems.
Instead act in accordance with the decision of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the free admission of humanitarian workers, a number of leaders in Sarajevo, obviously for political reasons, without wishing to see in the Russian humanitarian country team decided to “wrap” question, began to drive it in different departments, which are also from him are excuses, shifting the responsibility on each other. As a result, he came to the presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where, it seems, and died. Thus the story is finished.
From two members of the Presidium came the argument that, destingrays, health institutions in the country do not require disinfection by Russian specialists, as it could be produced here on its own or attracted by specialized companies. It is significant that local doctors believe otherwise. But apparently, the politicians know better how to fight the infection, the opinion of professionals they don’t care, and, say, the positive experience of Italy, Serbia and the Republika Srpska does not interest them. But thinking about that, they say, the Russian humanitarian team in Bosnia and Herzegovina may differ from the purely medical, is attributed to the category as baseless as they are malicious. It is significant that they come from Mr. Zeljko Komšić, who in conversation with me two months before, this strongly assured in their predisposition to development of relations with Russia.
I Think this situation will remain on the conscience of those who created it. Our desire to help was sincere and open, the help went to those who asked about her, without any ulterior motives. If the politicians decided to put their selfish goals above the objectives of ensuring the health of the population – God will judge them. We are no one and nothing is imposed.
by the Way, I have to note the cooperation that was extended to “Russian humanitarian mission”, a Russian NGO, which is very much useful to do in the Balkans, and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her lines in the Republika Srpska, may 9, on Victory Day, was delivered a consignment of medicines, which previously in accordance with their needs in a difficult situation caused by the epidemic of coronavirus, was selected by the Ministry of health of the Republic. With a lot of responsibility to participate in opposing the extension of coronavirus in the Republika Srpska came up and the group of companies “Optima” (investments of JSC “Zarubezhneft”), implemented a number of humanitarian programs.
At what level are today relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Russian Federation? How, in your opinion, to expand mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation?
Peter Ivantsov: Despite the number of Bosnian leaders to the subject of the provision of humanitarian aid, I would say that, in General, in our relations with Sarajevo, we all adhere to partnership approaches. Russia is one of the key investors in the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina, according last year, we are on the sixth place in terms of investment and on the ground for new investments over the past two years. Among the leading foreign trade partners. Hold similar positions on international issues. Of course, we have differences in estimates, primarily of a political nature. I would like to see more constructive understanding R��does Russia by a number of politicians from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite our efforts, his absence still from time to time makes itself felt.
special mention deserve our relations with the Republic of Srpska. Here we have provided the highest level of trust, our relations are truly user friendly, even brotherly in nature, which we appreciate and treasure what. Here is implemented a number of projects in economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres, we are working on new and interesting initiatives that takes our cooperation to a qualitatively new level. Traditionally, the intensive nature of the political contacts between the local Serbian and Russian leadership, we will continue to encourage and expand. Not a hindrance to them, by the way, the current situation with coronavirus: the close relationship continues.
we would Like to stress that we are open to mutually beneficial cooperation with all who want to work with us, our agenda is completely transparent, in spite of periodic attempts to present the Russian line as “influence” in a negative sense, it is obvious that in these categories we do not work. I see that the Russian attitude to strengthen mutually respectful relationships resonates in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we continue to work to strengthen this trend. Looking to the future of our complex relations with enthusiasm.
How would you describe the current political situation in BiH? The direction in which we should expect its development?
Peter Ivantsov: Enthusiasm about the state of the political situation in the country, I do not. See local businesses for a long time, and from the standpoint of work in Moscow, and now, almost six years here, I note with regret that the situation in terms of internal dialogue only gets worse. The saddest thing – continues to fall mutual trust and understanding between the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Not all feel themselves comfortable enough, feeling pressure from partners, passionate about the actual revision of the fundamental principles of modern Bosnia and Herzegovina in favor of the centralization of the state, unitarization its administrative system. I see this as a threat to the future of this multinational country, the equality of its constituent peoples.
Convinced that the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina is in the plane of implementation of the Dayton peace agreement as it was signed in 1995. It provides the necessary mechanisms to balance the interests of all the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its two entities, they just need to stick to. Someone this system may seem cumbersome and inefficient, but it is working in local conditions and in General basalternative. I think someone of the leaders has long been of the former Yugoslavia once said that if Yugoslavia really need it, then it must be needed by all. I believe this thesis is applicable to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The situation here will change when the conditions will be created to ensure that all peoples feel the country as home, and were not under constant pressure only for the fact that you have your own opinion on a particular critical issue. Equality, mutual respect, dialogue, compromise and consensus – that is the “cure” for protracted political crisis. Russia does that consistently recommends it to everyone.
this year Bosnia and Herzegovina will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Dayton peace agreement, which allowed us to stop the bloodshed here. In recent times you can hear about the feasibility of the emergence of so-called “Dayton-2”. Does this any need?
Peter Ivantsov: Under the “Dayton-2”, in fact, understand the change in the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is part of the peace agreement. There are opinions about that, say, Dayton stopped the war, but has created a dysfunctional system of government and the basic law needs to be changed in order to ensure the effectiveness of government, and different sides have different justification, sometimes the opposite. On this issue should take into consideration, first, feasible, and secondly, the practicality. We must recognize that to amend the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina at this stage impossible. Proposal of any party will not gain the necessary support in Parliament as approaches on key issues. Practical necessity of the amendments, in fact, is also in serious doubt. Basic law works, provides balance and consideration of the interests of the three peoples and two entities, I do not see why this mechanism is to climb on the principle of “if it works don’t fix it”. He may not be perfect, but it meets reality.
to Open the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina is to open “Pandora’s box”, the consequences can be uncontrollable and dangerous. So there is no need in the “Dayton-2” no. You may want to determine how gradually “close” the application of the peace agreement, which 12, and which regulate the various practical aspects of ensuring peace in the country. For example, we believe that the High representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and it is registered in the application 10, their mandate was exhausted. It would be very symbolic, beautiful, and useful to shut it down just in time for the December 25th anniversary of the signing of the peace agreement. Saturdav the status of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign��CSOs and independent state, the sole responsibility for the situation in which are its people.
whether, in your opinion, an independent and sovereign Bosnia and Herzegovina to get rid of external protectorate, in particular, from the office of the High representative, the foreign judges in the constitutional court, some representatives of the Western community who continue to specify local authorities behaviour and to make the ultimatum to the Bosnian political leaders?
Peter Ivantsov: it’s Long overdue. Russia has consistently advocated in favor of the folding mechanism external of the protectorate, the closure of the office of the High representative, transfer the entire responsibility in the hands of local authorities. The presence of the High representative has no practical sense in a country a long time peace was established, stability was maintained, Bosnia and Herzegovina, obviously, is not a threat to peace in the region, has established itself as a responsible and respected member of the international community, was a non-permanent member of the UN security Council, chaired the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. It is absurd that the government continues to be “under the supervision” of the High representative, who positions himself above the democratically elected institutions. This is an obvious anachronism. Please note, with criticism in its address are not only we, but also many of the political forces of BiH, which demonstrate an acute dissatisfaction with the behavior of the High representative speak in favor of the collapse of his administration.
I Think, this position of the people of the country should be the basis for the abolition of the mechanism of the protectorate, otherwise it will be to remind the colonial office. It is important that local people are unhappy and the presence of foreign judges in the local constitutional court. Know that this procedure was enshrined in the Constitution, which, however, gives Parliament the right to decide otherwise. Let me remind you that representatives of the two constituent peoples made their views on this matter in parliamentary procedure, which is absolutely legitimate. I hope that parliamentarians in an open, constructive and informative discussion can come to a consensus on this matter, so that Bosnia and Herzegovina has confirmed its sovereignty, the independence of their justice, maturity and independence in all internal matters. Convinced that the external factor in this can not help. Moreover, he often plays the opposite role, biased external interference, by a number of our partners, is not conducive to fostering good inter-ethnic relations and the formation of a unifying agenda, complicates the task of building on��lennogo national reconciliation. We have repeatedly pointed to the inadmissibility of the dictates and pressure, threats and unilateral sanctions against the unwanted. Unfortunately, over the past 25 years, many members of the international community in BiH has established a tradition of shamelessly interfere in the local Affairs. And even consider it their Holy right and a great responsibility! Correctly someone from the local leaders once described this style as “ambassadorhotel”. We are categorically against such approach, insist on respect for legitimate representatives of all peoples in BiH, non-interference in the internal Affairs of this sovereign state. Maintain good relations with all, to build them in a spirit of cooperation, not the effect.
this year marks the 75th anniversary of the red Army’s liberation of Eastern Europe from Nazism. What events took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Peter Ivantsov: unfortunately, the situation with coronavirus prevented a full-scale celebration of this solemn date. We know that local authorities and social organizations have planned a few shares of “Immortal regiment” in the Republika Srpska, a series of commemorative events throughout the country. However, in the may 9 Victory Day was organized wreath-laying in memory of the heroes of the anti-fascist liberation movement of Yugoslavia. I myself took part in this event in Banja Luka.
At the University of East Sarajevo introduced a new program “Russian language, literature and international relations”. In addition, the University established a Centre for Russian language, whose students have won top awards at the International Olympiad in Russian as a foreign language, which was held in Saint-Petersburg state University. Is it possible to say that Russian language is becoming more popular in the Republika Srpska?
Peter Ivantsov: of Course, not only in Republika Srpska but in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We have witnessed a remarkable growth of interest in Russian language, literature and culture throughout the country. That and you mentioned the University of East Sarajevo, where, incidentally, the teacher is directed along the line of “Russian humanitarian mission”. This and Universities in Banja Luka, Sarajevo and Mostar, this private pan-European University “Apeiron” in Banja Luka, and the Fund “Russian world” ibid. Have to mention the expanding network of private courses of the Russian language across the country. They all participate in various training programmes in the Russian language. By the way, the study of the Russian language is spreading in the schools of the Republika Srpska and even in preschool! Improved links with local universities with partners in Russia, expand��I geography and the content of these relations. Every year an increasing number of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, going to study in Russian universities. In this regard, we have done a lot of work that has yielded the most positive results that brings our Nations together, builds mutual trust and understanding. I’m very optimistic about the future of our cultural, humanitarian and educational links.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is the most beautiful state in the Balkans, where Islam and Christianity, East and West, and the Bosnian capital – Sarajevo – called “European Jerusalem”. Do you think that Bosnia and Herzegovina has a significant potential for further development of tourism, involvement of the Russians?
Peter Ivantsov: no doubt. Let Bosnia and Herzegovina is a small country but in terms of diversity of what it has to offer the tourist, she will clearly stand out. Here everyone can find something to your taste, from active recreation in the form of skiing and rafting, to religious pilgrimages, gastronomic tourism and the beach. So the tourist potential is significant, especially if you combine it with the capabilities of its neighbors – Serbia, Montenegro and Croatia, which, incidentally, is a much more mastered by the Russian tourists than Bosnia and Herzegovina, probably due to logistics capabilities. Unfortunately, there is still no regular direct flights between Russia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, I believe that this is a key factor that the country remains insufficiently noticed the Russian tourist. Heard about the plans and local and domestic airlines launching direct flights between our countries, but to implement, unfortunately, it has not yet reached.
