BiH Foreign Ministry sends protest note to Hungary: Szijjártó misrepresented Dodik, allowed public advocacy of secession

The MFA BiH stated that it expresses the strongest protest over Szijjártó’s remarks, as well as the official reception of BiH citizen Milorad Dodik, whose mandate as president of the BiH entity Republika Srpska was revoked by the Central Election Commission of BiH.

“In his statements, Minister Szijjártó misrepresented BiH citizen Milorad Dodik as the president of the BiH entity, although in line with the decisions of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s competent institutions, he does not hold any official mandate within the executive authority on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina expresses particular concern that during yesterday’s visit to Budapest, in a public appearance and in the presence of Minister Szijjártó, Milorad Dodik advocated secession and threatened the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, without the expected reaction from Minister Szijjártó,” the protest note states.

It emphasizes that the minister’s statements and reception are not in accordance with the basic principles of mutual respect and international diplomatic practice, and considers them offensive to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The comments by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Hungary demonstrate a disregard for the institutional decisions and legislation of our country, and contribute to creating an atmosphere of mistrust regarding the political intentions of the Republic of Hungary. The Ministry takes this opportunity to once again express its special esteem to the Embassy of the Republic of Hungary in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” the protest note sent by MFA BiH to the Hungarian Embassy reads.