"This is an important step forward. This strengthens the state's powers and establishes a more rational and effective authority," Presidency chairman Sulejman Tihic told the press.
He voiced confidence that those who were reserved on the political agreement on constitutional reform, or openly criticised it, would change their minds after reading the constitutional amendments and realise that they were conducive to general well-being in the country.
"This is a state issue and not one of narrow party interests," said Tihic.
He announced he would meet in the next eight days with the leaders of the political parties which took part in negotiations on constitutional reform to agree further steps that need to be taken so that the House of Representatives could adopt the amendments in time and so that the amendments could be applied immediately after general elections scheduled for October.
Commenting on the announcement of five Croat lower house deputies that they would not vote for the amendments, Tihic voiced confidence that they, too, would see that these amendments would not put Bosnian Croats in a condition worse than the present one.
"Not one people will be in a worse position," he underlined.
Tihic recalled that only the first round of constitutional amendments was over and that the second stage was due after the autumn elections.
The lower house is expected to open a debate on the constitutional amendments next week.
Public debate on the amendments should last at least 15 days, after which they will be sent to the lower house for ratification.
The amendments will go into force if they are endorsed by a two-thirds majority of deputies taking part in the vote.
In order to be applied in October, the amendments must be declared by May 4, when elections have to be called.