Fight against corruption is a fight for bare life

First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Vesna Pusić in an exclusive interview for “Dnevni avaz” commented on the effects Croatia’s EU accession would have on Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, saying it was inevitable that our country, like the neighbours, dealt with corruption as soon as possible. She was optimistic about the negotiations on outstanding border issues between Croatia and BiH.

Foreign investment

- As Croatia is set to join the EU this year, what effects will it have on BiH and the relations between the two neighbouring countries? = I see the EU membership not only as Croatia’s success, but as a positive development for other countries in the region too, including BiH. By that I mean that Croatia will not turn its back on the region or walk away. On the contrary, with Croatia the whole region will be one step closer to Brussels and the EU. Also, we will be able to take better advantage of the EU funds for cross-border cooperation, which is very important, especially in this period of economic crisis and reduced foreign investment.

- How far have we come in solving the border issues between Croatia and BiH (Pelješac Bridge, Neum Corridor, the Port of Ploče…)? = The border between Croatia and BiH was delineated 13 years ago by an interstate agreement signed by the two countries’ then-presidents. The agreement has not yet been ratified by the parliaments, but parallel to its signing an interim border regime came into effect, founded on the same rules, which has been working without a hitch ever since. I think it would be useful for both countries if the agreement were to be ratified.

The second issue is the passage through Neum after Croatia joins the EU. One of the trilateral meetings between Croatia, BiH and the European Commission, held regularly in Brussels, was attended by Minister Lagumdžija, five European commissioners and myself, which was the first time a meeting on one topic saw a discussion from various perspectives, which are all important, but it is even more important that they are synchronized.

The linking of Croatian territory, and from the next year on the EU territory as well, was discussed from the perspective of phytosanitary standards, judiciary, internal affairs and transport. All of this needs to be harmonized in order to come up with the best solution for both Croatia and BiH. It was then agreed that a prefeasibility study would be drawn up to answer the question which was the best way to connect the territory: bridge, corridor or ferry. Preparations for the study are underway.

The third issue is the export/import of goods through the Port of Ploče for BiH. Here BiH and Croatia share the same interest: as free a movement as possible. On this issue too we are close to reaching a solution.

The fourth issue are border crossing for the export of animal products and live animals from BiH to Croatia, as well as crossings for fruit and vegetables. Here we have reached an agreement.

Finally, the fifth issue is the regime of passage through Neum after 1 July 2013, when there would still be no bridge, corridor or some other solution in place to ensure a more permanent and unobstructed linking of the EU territory. That regime has mostly been agreed on and will be a part of the comprehensive solution.

- Is there a danger of disagreements like those Croatia and Slovenia had? = Croatia has no intention of using border or free movement issues to hinder BiH on its path to NATO or the EU. Quite the contrary. There is a number of reasons for this, including the fact that Croatia sees Bosnia and Herzegovina’s NATO and EU membership as its direct interest. Croatia will be the first country in the region that is both a NATO and EU member, and in that sense assumes certain responsibility for the region’s further stabilization.

- Since Croatia is fighting corruption, which is one of the preconditions for entering the EU, how important it is that BiH follows the footsteps of its western neighbour as soon as possible? = Corruption equals dysfunctional state, a state that does not work. Those that steal are only a part of the problem. The larger part is the fact that big political and economic decisions are made guided by private interests and kickbacks, not the usefulness and successfulness of the project. In such conditions, “killing the cow for one steak” is a daily occurrence. Citizens lose faith in institutions and procedures, and that is the safest way into lawlessness and chaos. Corruption as a phenomenon is present in all societies.

The key difference is that in healthy and functional countries it is an incident, while in others it is a regular occurrence and modus operandi. Croatia was right on the edge, but has started to veer back towards a functioning state. The fact that it is a precondition for EU membership is of least importance. What is more important is that eliminating corruption is precondition for the survival of 99% of population, as well as the country itself. The fight against corruption is therefore a fight for bare life.

Meeting the requirements

- How can we speed up Bosnia and Herzegovina’s NATO accession and to what extent can Croatia assist? How important it is for the region that all its countries join NATO? = Croatia was and continues to be a strong supporter of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s joining NATO. Croatia can help and does help. In our part of Europe NATO membership means considerably greater security and state stability. It is in the interest of BiH and the region as such, including Croatia. But BiH must first meet the obligations it has taken on in order to stay on the course towards NATO and in the future earn the right and be able to choose its own path.

It is only logical that Croats in BiH participate in all levels of government

 - Do you support the two HDZ parties’ battle for the legitimacy of Croats in BiH in terms of the parties’ entry into the government? = Croats are a constitutive nation in all of BiH territory, so it is only natural and logical that they be represented in all levels of government. They should not be ghettoized nor majoritized. In the past 20 years the politics coming from Croatia have often hurt the Croats in BiH, patronizing the sister parties in that neighbouring country. Our goal is for the Croats in BiH to continue living and working in BiH, while transferring through the natural connection with Croatia the know-how, experience and reforms that would speed up BiH progress towards the EU membership.

As for the parties, of course that the Croats in BiH can vote for whomever they want, but as long as the principle of ethnic representation is still in effect in BiH, they must be equally represented. I see this not only as the interest of BiH Croats, but as something of interest for the stability of BiH as such.

Constitutional reform must come from within the country itself

 - How do you comment the US administration’s initiative for the reform of the BiH Federation, given that Croatia to is a party of the Washington Agreement? = Each constitutional reform must come from within the country itself. External factor can support certain solutions or not, but they can only succeed if support comes from the inside. The constitution cannot be about cunning or a battle of wits. It must offer real protection of political interests and rights of all the citizens. Any other solution would be a Pyrrhic victory.