SDA Collegium Warns of Serbia and Croatia’s Intensive Arming

The Democratic Action Party (SDA) collegium has expressed concern over the rapid arming of Serbia and Croatia, as well as the introduction of compulsory military service in these countries. This development is seen as a warning message that the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina must respond to quickly and adequately.

The SDA collegium emphasizes that the systematic weakening of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a dangerous trend, particularly in light of the neighboring countries’ rapid arming. To address this, significant funds must be allocated for the modernization and equipping of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the next budget. Furthermore, the current government must urgently unblock Bosnia and Herzegovina’s NATO path and intensify the country’s integration into the organization.

Criticism of Troika’s Paternalistic Relationship

The SDA collegium also criticizes the paternalistic relationship between Serbia and Croatia, facilitated by the SNSD/HDZ alliance and the selfless support of the Troika parties. This relationship is seen as a violation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty.

Officials from Serbia and Croatia frequently visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, behaving as if they were in their own territory. A recent example is Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković’s intention to address and open the part of Corridor 5C near Počitelje, which Croatia has no connection to. Moreover, the entire project has been Croatianized, with the federal prime minister Nermin Nikšić being relegated to a decorative role. The Technical Recruitment Committee, comprising 13 members, has also been Croatianized, with 12 Croats and only one Bosniak.

The SDA collegium also accuses the HDZ and “Trojka” of attempting to take complete political control over Federal Television by illegally appointing a board of directors. This move is seen as an attack on media freedom, and the SDA has called for a response from representatives of the international community and organizations dealing with the protection of media freedom.

The SDA collegium emphasizes that the new management board of FTV should be appointed in accordance with the law, preventing the political influence of the majority on the public service.