Dodik threatens "measures" against Slovenia

"If Slovenia and its politics move toward a policy of sanctions, we will find a way to respond. Slovenians must know that we in Republika Srpska will implement reciprocal measures, whatever that may mean," said Dodik.

He noted that Slovenian ministers may be banned from using this Bosnian entity as a transit route, and added that "some may find that laughable, but even a former German minister had to leave RS."

"They can laugh about it in Sarajevo, but they'll see that it's enforceable," Dodik said in Moscow.

The entity president said that RS remains committed to Slovenian businesspeople, who must understand that politics is doing them a disservice.

"Many Slovenian businesspeople, whom we respect, work in Republika Srpska and they will be supported by us," Dodik emphasized.

He also questioned why sanctions would be imposed, claiming that "RS is not dismantling Bosnia and Herzegovina but is only demanding that its constitutional position be respected."

"Who are you to impose sanctions on me? What are you defending? Why did you break up Yugoslavia, and why are you now defending Bosnia and Herzegovina on those principles?" Dodik asked.