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SARAJEVO, March 17 (FENA) - At yesterday’s session, the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted a number of conclusions on the measures to prevent the spread of the new (COVID 19) coronavirus pandemic, Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency Chairman Željko Komšić told FENA after an extraordinary session.
Komšić presided over the session via video link, given the obligation to respect self-isolation measures following last week's working visit to Canada.
“We will work continuously, and all the relevant institutions have been requested to regularly report to the BiH Presidency on the measures taken,” said Komšić.
He commended the responsibility of citizens in relation to pandemic, but also the efforts of the state institutions that are being undertaken on this issue.
“I must commend the efforts undertaken by the institutions of the state on the crisis, and welcome the responsibility of citizens who follow instructions of the competent authorities and thus do not allow panic and general disloyalty to prevail in these moments. I believe that the formation of the Coordination body for protection and rescue of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is one of the requirements, will give an even stronger answer to the existing challenges,” Komšić said in an interview with FENA.
In order to overcome the crisis, it is necessary, he added, for the institutions to give a joint response and for the whole public to be constructive in all this.
“We still have a little time to do what many other Western countries are already doing, and I know that we have the strength and intelligence to ease the crisis. But it will happen only on condition that we work together, which I believe we can and will do,” said Komšić.
Chairman Komšić said that they concluded that the number of functioning border crossings would be restricted, and that the BiH Presidency had tasked the Armed Forces to put all their resources to pandemic protection, adding that the initiative to introduce quarantine at border crossings was supported, and the use of military equipment for these purposes in accordance with needs and requirements of the competent institutions.
“Quarantine and self-isolation for at least 14 days are of vital importance for prevention and objective danger, so such decisive measures are needed,” said Komšić.
He also referred to the economic aspect of the crisis and challenges that domestic economy is facing, stating that bold measures are needed at this time.
“When it comes to the economic aspect of the crisis, the reality is that the traffic of goods should be regulated by a facilitated regime, while maintaining sanitary standards, but measures must also be taken by all levels of government to mitigate the effects of the crisis on operation of business entities in BiH and their employees,” said Komšić.
Finally, Chairman Komšić emphasized that today, more than ever, every form of solidarity and understanding is needed.
“The solidarity we see among citizens needs to be copied to all those who hold responsible positions today, because this is not a moment for any personal or party competitions. Citizens rightly expect maximum seriousness and responsibility,” Komšić concluded.
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