KonakoviA++: The decision to start negotiations would be a blow to pro-Russian and pro-Eastern forces.

BRDO NEAR KRANJ -- The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konakovic, said today that a possible decision to start negotiations on BiH's membership in the European Union would mean strong support for the European forces in BiH, and "it might be a blow for pro-Russian and pro-Eastern forces who are not happy about our rapid progress", Konakovic told FENA reporter during the Annual Forum of the European Strategy for the Danube Region.

Konakovic assessed that the gathering has been 'very dynamic'. A panel was held this morning where discussions were held at the ministerial level, and he met with the Minister of European Integration of Serbia, Tanja MiA!cevic.

He exchanged opinions and information with her about what will follow by the end of the year and the relationship of the European Union towards the Western Balkans, which "should be integrated into the big European family".

"Here are nine countries that are members of the European Union and five that have candidate status. In a way, we are all part of that European family," the minister said.

He pointed out that he is waiting with hope for two important decisions, one is a large aid package for the Western Balkans in which, in addition to economic aid that would have a large share in the national GDPs, we would also have the opening of the doors to Bosnia and Herzegovina's companies and the economy.

"This would have a significant impact on the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina's economy, and thus we would try to keep people by creating new jobs and strengthening the existing ones," said Konakovic.

A decision on the opening of negotiations with the European Union is awaited, which could come by the end of the year.

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