Vladimir Šoljić

Vladimir Šoljić (born 19 October 1943) is a Bosnian Croat politician, who served as the second President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1997.

Biography

Šoljić was born on 19 October 1943. He worked at the SOKO aircraft factory in Mostar for many years.

During the Bosnian War, Šoljić served a variety of ministerial positions within the Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia, including minister of energy industry and mining as well as minister of defense. During his time as Minister of Defense, he was approached by Zoran Mandlbaum, head of the Jewish community in Mostar. Soljic's forces provided a brief ceasefire so a diesel tanker could provide East Mostar Hospital with fuel for their generator.

After the war, he was chosen by the Parliament of the Federation to serve as president for the region. Soljic served from March 18 to December 29, 1997. Soljic and his deputy, Bosniak Ejup Ganić, had little influence in policymaking, and were under pressure from the international community, the Office of the High Representative and the Bosniak and Croat members of the National Presidency.

On 24 May 1997, he became a founding member of the Croatian Community of Herzeg-Bosnia. This organization aimed not to create a new Croat entity, but to connect Croats across the country and determine strategic directions for national, cultural, and economic development. He served as president until April 17, 2010, when he became an emeritus member of the organization's general council.