Dodik says Republika Srpska is a state and SIPA will not operate there

"This was an opportunity to discuss the current situation. The Fiscal Council has agreed on the budget for Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will be adopted at the Council of Ministers tomorrow and then sent for urgent parliamentary procedure," Dodik stated.

He went on to emphasize his position on constitutional matters, stressing that Republika Srpska (RS) will act strictly in accordance with the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"As for other documents, we will act in accordance with the Constitution of BiH. What is in line with the Constitution can be implemented, what is not – cannot. And that’s it. If someone thinks they can enforce decisions through outvoting, let them try. Everything that was imposed or fabricated is invalid. Only the Constitution of BiH matters—nothing else. If that’s unacceptable, then Bosnia and Herzegovina doesn’t need to exist," Dodik stated.

He also announced plans to sign new laws soon.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina was created based on an international agreement, but everything has since been violated. I have never bluffed. We tried to work on laws, but they didn’t want to. Everything is clear. We are waiting for the procedure to be carried out in the House of Peoples. On Wednesday, I have a major meeting in Banja Luka that will result in a new constitutional text, which will define our exact position. Anything that was imposed will no longer be valid. If someone wants to live in such a Bosnia and Herzegovina, let them, but if not, they don’t have to," Dodik said.

He argued that with the signing of the Dayton Agreement, the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina ceased to exist, leaving only Bosnia and Herzegovina as defined by the agreement, with both the Federation of BiH and Republika Srpska as essential entities.

Dodik further stated that once the legislative process is complete, he will sign the new laws as the president of Republika Srpska, making them enforceable.

"After the House of Peoples, at 7 am, I will sign the laws as the RS president and they will take effect. That means that at 7 am, there will be no SIPA offices and they will no longer operate within RS territory. Their decisions will not be implemented. If anyone thinks otherwise, they can try. They are attacking the state. We see ourselves as a state. If someone else thinks otherwise, that’s their right. We see Republika Srpska as a state. We have a clear policy, and it is not directed against Croats or Bosniaks," Dodik claimed.

He also criticized the role of High Representative Christian Schmidt, warning that RS authorities will not recognize his authority.

"We do not want to live in humiliation, where it is more important to protect Schmidt than to respect agreements. Schmidt has caused harm. If he comes to RS, we will kick him out. Croats would be better off reviving their plans for Herceg-Bosna than pretending we are building a successful Bosnia and Herzegovina," he added.

Earlier today, Dodik had already stated that Republika Srpska is expected to present its draft for a new constitution to the public on Wednesday, March 5. He asserted that the new draft will be aligned with the Dayton Agreement.