Elmedin Konakovic, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Foreign Minister held an emergency press conference Saturday following the scandal in Republika Srpska (RS), where German Minister for Europe and Climate Anna Lührmann was declared persona non grata and expelled along with her delegation.
Konakovic began by stating that Friday marked an unprecedented diplomatic scandal, as Lührmann and her delegation were threatened with their safety in RS.
“Lührmann has many rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but yesterday, all of them were denied in RS. We were in contact throughout the day. We had an excellent meeting, and I was informed by our protocol that there was a problem. I spoke with her; she had completed most of her work in Banja Luka, including a meeting with the Serb Democratic Party (SDS). However, before her planned meeting with the Party of Democratic Progress (PDP), this terrorist and illegal act occurred, causing outrage in the diplomatic scene and beyond,” Konakovic said.
He emphasized the importance of informing the public about the events that transpired.
“Today, we will send a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina to EU leaders, including Kaja Kallas, Ursula von der Leyen, Marta Kos, and all EU foreign ministers. We will also write to the embassies of the US and UK, EUFOR, and NATO. It is crucial for everyone to understand that this situation has long exceeded normal boundaries and has now entered dangerous territory. Yesterday, Dodik directly sought to intimidate, frighten, and expel Anna Lührmann. We have official information from people on the ground that Dodik personally insisted on this action. The RS Ministry of Interior was ordered to ensure the delegation left Banja Luka immediately,” Konakovic stated.
He praised Bosnia’s Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies for their professionalism in handling the situation.
“They kept us informed and ensured that the scandal did not escalate into something far worse. Dodik informed his associates about the expulsion and threats against Minister Lührmann, claiming support from Serbia. We demand clarification from Vucic, Dacic, and Djuric on whether they support this. Dodik cited Serbia’s consent to his associates. It is significant to investigate Serbia’s role in this process, especially given the presence of Vulin and Dacic in Banja Luka during RS Day celebrations. The Vienna Convention provides protection for protected persons, with penalties ranging from six months to five years for such crimes,” Konakovic emphasized.
He called on Bosnia’s judiciary to act swiftly against RS authorities and accelerate actions against Dodik. He also requested prompt intervention from EUFOR.
“I expect the judiciary to react and expedite processes to arrest Dodik. EUFOR has a mandate to assist in arrests, as it must be clear that Dodik was prepared to deprive a high-ranking diplomat of freedom and life. There is no room for further calculations. On the 13th, I have a meeting in Luxembourg. Alongside EU accession, this issue will be a focal point. I expect EU support. If they cannot enable us to arrest Dodik without conflict, then the question arises whether European values should even be considered. Dodik was ready to deprive Minister Lührmann of freedom and life; there is no room for further calculations,” Konakovic stated.
He announced that security issues would be a priority during his meeting with Western Balkan leaders and had a message for the EU.
“If the EU cannot be effective in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it certainly cannot be effective in Ukraine. We will not allow future commemorations for fallen officers who attempted to arrest Dodik. This must be prevented,” Konakovic stated, adding that he would not allow police officers to shoot at each other during Dodik’s arrest.
Konakovic also addressed the Croat Democratic Union (HDZ), a coalition partner in Bosnia’s government, urging them to support the removal of Dodik’s Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) party from power and appoint a security minister.
“I call on HDZ to take the process of removing SNSD from power seriously and appoint a security minister. We received notice of Lührmann’s visit and forwarded it to everyone. RS Ministry of Interior responded, so Stevandić’s claims that they were unaware are lies. They are trying to cover up their actions, but Dodik directly ordered threatening messages to be sent. I urge EU officials to show determination in confronting Russian interests in the Balkans. Dodik’s claims that RS will be an observer in Serbia and Hungary’s agreement are nonsense. It is evident that Dodik has been isolated and will not be a negotiator for anyone. I particularly urge HDZ to break Dodik’s control by appointing a security minister. HDZ must not take responsibility for saving Dodik, as every day of his rule causes harm to all of us, including HDZ,” Konakovic concluded.
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