MPs back goal but question Resolution on Croats in BiH

Croatian lawmakers debated on Tuesday the Homeland Movement's proposed Resolution on Strengthening the Political Position of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

While all parliamentary parties backed the resolution's stated goal, many questioned whether the document would actually improve the position of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina or merely serve to raise the Homeland Movement's political profile.

Homeland Movement leader Ivan Penava said the resolution sends a clear message that Croatia will no longer stand by while Croats in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina are denied the right to elect their own representative to the country's tripartite presidency because they are outvoted by the Bosniak majority.

Some right-wing opposition MPs criticized Penava, accusing him of abandoning the original spirit of the proposal and allowing the HDZ to water down the final text.

"The Homeland Movement's original proposal contained clear demands, but they have been completely diluted by the HDZ. What remains is a watered-down version—a bevanda—that gives us nothing," said Nikola Grmoja of Most.

"It may be watered down, but at its core it is still Croatian, and that is what matters. Where we go from here will depend on future circumstances," responded Penava.

"I understand my colleagues from the Homeland Movement and why they chose this approach—one designed to attract attention. But I also believe Croatia should be helping Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to EU membership, rather than hindering it," said Anka Mrak Taritaš of GLAS.

"I support the document we are debating today. There is nothing in it that is not in the interest of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and nothing that is offensive or disparaging to anyone," said HDZ MP Nevenko Barbarić.

Speaking to reporters in Paris, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković also commented on the resolution.

"It effectively sums up the political position of the Government, the HDZ, and Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The resolution is entirely acceptable. I believe our negotiators, working together with the Homeland Movement, agreed on a text that is fully acceptable.

There is nothing new in it compared with what I, my colleagues in the Croatian Parliament, our ministers, HDZ representatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Croatian National Assembly have been saying for years. We want to strengthen the position of Croats and ensure that they are able to elect their own representative to the Presidency," the Prime Minister said.