Members of the Collegium of the House of Peoples talked with the Deputy Speaker of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Republic of Poland

 
Between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Poland there are no unresolved issues; political relations are very good but economic relations have great scope for increased co-operation between these two friendly states. This was emphasized, inter alia, at today’s meeting between the Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, Dr. Milorad Živković, and his Deputy, Dr. Denis Bećirović, with the Deputy Speaker of the Parliamentary Assembly of Poland, Mr. Jerzy Wenderlich.

The HoR Speaker, Mr Živković, briefed the guest from Poland on the situation in BiH, with an emphasis on the current security situation with regard to the on-going protests in the Federation of BiH and on the economic and political issues preventing the acceleration of BiH’s European Union and NATO integration. Dr. Živković particularly stressed the non- implementation of the Decision of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Sejdić and Finci vs. BiH.

Mr. Wenderlich recalled Poland’s experiences of integration and reminded all present that the transition period in Poland was also quite difficult, that while politicians tried to reach agreement on a variety of matters, the Polish people suffered. When it comes to parliamentary co-operation between BiH and Poland, the Deputy Speaker of the Parliamentary Assembly of Poland suggested that their respective experts liaise in order to share the rich Polish experience of EU integration.

The Deputy Speaker of the HoR, Dr. Denis Bećirović, expressed satisfaction that the on-going protests in the Federation of BiH are entering a calmer phase and pointed out that it is necessary, at the moment, to focus more on BiH’s European Union integration and NATO membership.

When speaking about the parliamentary co-operation of these two friendly countries, the HoR Speaker, Mr Živković, emphasized the need for working bodies’ co-operation, especially committees, emphasizing that joint work would encourage the executive powers to agree and sign, at their earliest convenience, memoranda to additionally advance overall relations between BiH and Poland. By way of example he noted the memoranda on economic co-operation, the avoidance of double taxation and readmission.

In concluding today’s meeting, the HoR Speaker, Dr. Živković, again pointed out the importance of BiH stability and stressed that the only alternative to BiH membership of the European Union would be to have a black hole in Europe. On the way to the EU, Mr Živković added, support from friends such as Poland is very welcome, but it is primarily up to BiH officials to ensure the fulfillment of the requirements placed before us. (end)