Homeland Movement postpones presser; meets with HDZ partners regarding BiH proposal

The Homeland Movement (DP) was expected to present a draft proposal on Wednesday aimed at improving the position of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The document reportedly calls for the creation of a Croat electoral unit within the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

However, the planned press conference was postponed as senior party officials continued consultations with their counterparts from the HDZ.

Later in the day, the Homeland Movement released excerpts from the proposal in a written statement, rejecting criticism that Croatia should refrain from involvement in Bosnia and Herzegovina's internal political affairs.

"In the coming days, talks between the DP and HDZ will continue in order to agree on final positions. The goal is to present a proposal to coalition partners, political actors, and the Croatian, Bosnian-Herzegovinian, and international public that is feasible, grounded in international agreements, and serves the interests of the Croatian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the national interests of the Republic of Croatia, while contributing to the development of a united, stable and functional Bosnia and Herzegovina as a future member of the European Union," the party said.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman said Croatia supports any initiative that strengthens the political equality of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but stopped short of confirming whether the HDZ would back the Homeland Movement's proposal.

He emphasized the importance of hearing the views of the legitimate representatives of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina and assessing whether the initiative reflects the authentic demands of the Croat people in the country.

Grlić Radman also noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina is due to hold elections later this year, stressing that the broader political context must be taken into account when evaluating the proposal.