Kosovo is independent state

Deutsche Welle: Mr. Komsic, are we on the verge of a deep crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as many analysts say?

Sup: I don't think so, at least I don't see any reason why there's a crisis, if someone doesn't intend to cause this crisis. But you need to point this question at those who love this crisis. The election results are what they are. The elections have been implemented according to the rules since 1996. The other issue is whether someone is satisfied or not with the election results. That's the political issue of whether someone accepts the election results or not.

You are engaged in a civic option in Bosnia and Herzegovina. But three entities, three nations, are represented in the presidency. How do you see this position in the Presidency?

My position is difficult. It hasn't been easy in the past two mandates. If you run with a civic option, there should be a sufficient degree of electors voting this option, but this measure does not relieve anyone of the responsibility to take the first step in this direction. I want to live like you in Germany, where all people are equal, regardless of their background and origin. The fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina is what it is does not mean that it should remain that way.

It will not be easy for you at the presidency, because it will also be the Serb-elect member, Milorad Dodik, who works in the destruction of the country. How do you imagine cooperation in the Presidency?

Our Constitution refers, not to representatives of the nations in the presidency, but to members of three nations. The legislation of representatives is therefore derived, not from the people as a collective, but from citizens, electors in B-H. As for the B-H presidency, I have been in two mandates before I was in the presidency, where Nebojsa Radnovoq was, from Dodik's party. We had solid cooperation. How will Milorad Dodik's position be? But it would be better if he behaved rationally, because any presidency blockade could turn like boomerang. I don't know how Dodik will work, but since now I know that if he starts with blockades, that will be a big problem for him and Republika Serpska.

Dodik has said he will not allow Bosnia and Herzegovina to join NATO. How will you compromise the matter?

Dodik does not have any superpowers. The Decision NATO has been approved and has never changed. All Dodik can do is seek to change that decision, but for that he will not have the approval of two other presidency members. The pro-member decision to NATO thus exists.

In the past two mandates you have been very severe in attitudes towards Serbia. What will be your report to this mandate towards Serbia?

Same as Croatia. So they will be respected until these countries respect the standards of good neighbourly reports between the countries that are worth all, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia. This is a normal position of all those called head of state.

Are you ready for good reports with Vuchchi?

I am ready for good co-operation with all, so is the president of Croatia and the president of Serbia, and of course Montenegro. But I want it to be clearly known where Bosnia and Herzegovina's borders are and we need to conduct ourselves on this basis.

When we are at the borders in recent months, there have been initiatives in the region for their change and correction. What is your attitude?

I think that Bosnia and Herzegovina's border should not be changed, it should not be affected and there should be no exchange of territories, because that is how dangerous precedents are created. B-H borders have been defined, and the so-called Badinter Commission has confirmed this. The exchange of territories does not come into consideration because it would be a dangerous precedent.

Is that attitude also valid for Serbia and Kosovo?

I cannot speak on behalf of Serbia and Kosovo.

I ask you, because many make parallels between the eventual change of borders there with B-H?

Many can connect these things to B-H, but this will not be allowed in this country. This has nothing to do with B-H. What Serbia and Kosovo are going to do, this is their issue and it would be very inappropriate to get involved in these jobs. I have my opinion on this matter, but that's a private opinion.

What is that opinion?

I'm telling you: That's a private opinion. I really think that reports between Serbia and Kosovo should be resolved as reports between the two neighbouring and friendly states. How will this be settled? I have no dilemma that Kosovo is an independent state. But you should know that's my private opinion.

What will be your position in this mandate for recognising Kosovo's independence?

My position is absolutely clear. I told you that Kosovo is an independent state and it would be wise if it knew Bosnia and Herzegovina, but with Milorad Dodik at the Presidency, I doubt such a decision will be made. So I don't hide my attitude: Kosovo is an independent state.

(Zhelko Komsic, from the Democratic Front, has been elected a member of the presidency, as a member of the Croatian people. Kosovo has been twice before Dragan Covich, member of the B-H presidency.)