Dodik insults commander, threatens Russian veto on EUFOR presence in Bosnia

Dodik made inflammatory, false accusations, claiming that "Bosniaks are persecuting Serbs" and directly addressing the EUFOR commander from Romania, dismissing his role and stating that his threats were meaningless.

"I will ask the Russians to withdraw their consent for ALTHEA," Dodik said. Meanwhile, his party colleague and Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zeljka Cvijanovic, called on EUFOR and NATO earlier in the day to strengthen their presence.

Shortly after, Dodik slightly altered his stance following an intervention by Nenad Stevandic, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, who is also subject to a detention order issued by the BiH Prosecutor’s Office. In a contradictory turn, Dodik then stated that he had no issue with EUFOR's mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina and even supported an increase in troop numbers.

"I’m glad no Serb was foolish enough to sign that arrest warrant. I see that EUFOR has a new commander from Romania, but it doesn’t matter if he is in charge—our people stand behind us. In the past, I advocated for ALTHEA to remain, but in the coming days, I will meet with representatives of the Russian Federation at the highest level. Unlike in previous years, when I supported ALTHEA’s presence, I will now ask Russia to veto it and prevent the continuation of a subversive structure that abuses its UN mandate and threatens us Serbs," Dodik declared.

He then backtracked, saying, "EUFOR can bring in 10,000 troops if they want. I have no problem with that. If 1,000 troops aren’t enough, bring 10,000, but stick to your mandate. No Serb will fire at you or do anything, but Serbs are not ready to endure an occupation. And this Romanian general who is trying to put on a show here is a clear example of occupation. We may even declare him an occupying force—we'll see," Dodik said, warning the Romanian commander "not to play games."

https://n1info.ba/english/news/ohr-warns-republika-srpskas-proposed-constitution-violates-dayton-agreement/

Dodik also falsely claimed that EUFOR does not have the mandate to act in cases where domestic security agencies require assistance. However, this was refuted by Bosnia’s Deputy Minister of Defense, Aleksandar Goganovic, a member of Dodik’s political party.

"The role of EUFOR, in accordance with the mandate granted by the UN Security Council, is crucial. EUFOR is a key partner of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and other institutions in maintaining peace, stability, and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina," Goganovic stated.