Bosnian leader Izetbegovic talks to AA about the crisis in his country

Half the adult population of Bosnia and Herzegovina can not find work and that is one of the main reasons for the unrest, said Bakir Izetbegovic, the Bosniak representative to Bosnia and Herzegovina's tripartite presidency, in an exclusive interview with the Anadolu Agency.

Referring to the situation in Bosnia that provoked civil unrest on Friday as protestors set fire to government buildings and fought with riot police in anger over lack of jobs and political inertia, Izetbegovic said that while some people have a nice life others in the country are struggling to survive. 

"It has been going on like this in a long time. The politicians are ruining the environment with conflicts and fights. The investment is running away. We can not get foreign investment. Under these circumstances while some people can live a nice life, but most people are struggling to live." 

He also emphasized that more than half of the university graduates are jobless, "The youngsters tend to riot even if everything is going fine in their lives let alone the situation we are in. We left a big war behind us. The fact that we did not experienced what we do now still surprises me."

Izetbegovic stressed that the protests started out peaceful with people expressing legitimate grievances but were highjacked by a minority bent on causing destruction.

"The people who came to fight for their rights in front of the public buildings were bewildered by the scenes. Then the organization revealed itself. And some people use these events to gain political advantage. The latest events took place in Bosnian populated areas. However the situation in Bosnian Serbia Republic is harder. Their situation is worse than Bosnians. After a while the negative energy was directed for the destruction of the government and public establishments. And the strange behaviour of people in authority can be observed."

 Turkish state and Turkish people do not only help Bosnians, they help all the nations of Bosnia and Herzegovina. If there is a country that helps us it is Turkey. Turkish diplomacy is strong. They have connections in Zagreb and Belgrade. Their ambassadors are extremely informed. The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) is very active. However Muslim countries other than Turkey should help to fix Bosnia's unemployment problem. Only this would lower the tension."

The presidency will continue to function even though the buildings were set on fire said Izetbegovic. 

He also said they do not need military troops but they do need more equipment. Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoglu has offered to help supply them with equipment said Izetbegovic.

 "We do not need extra men. We have enough of our own. Even if some of them are not courageous enough to stand in front of the protestors, we have enough patriots to replace them. Just like I said, our friends can help us with equipment, not with manpower."

Finally he also sent a message to his citizens by saying, "State is home of people. Do not burn your home. Protect your home first and foremost."

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