Dodik threatens action against BiH after RS election

At a press conference in Banja Luka, Dodik described his candidate Sinisa Karan's victory as proof that his policies were correct and said his party, the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), would soon propose that the RS parliament reclaim all powers transferred to the BiH state under the Dayton Agreement. This, he said, would include RS control over its own army, border police, intelligence service, taxation, and the abolition of the BiH Court and Prosecutor's Office.

Dodik claimed RS has the support of Russia, the new US administration, Serbia, Israel and Hungary, and asserted, without any evidence, that 15 states would recognise an independent RS "within 48 hours". He added that Serbs working in BiH institutions would soon be offered to leave their posts, with alternative positions provided in RS.

"Independence is our political goal and we will not give it up. If our powers are restored, we are ready to remain within the Dayton framework, but in today's BiH, we will not stay," Dodik said.

Newly elected RS President Karan announced plans to adopt an RS electoral law to independently organise future elections and review all legislation enacted under decisions of the high representatives.

"We face difficult tasks. RS has been attacked," Karan said, adding that the entity has the right to a fully independent status within the "community of states" as he sees BiH.

Both Dodik and Karan reiterated claims that Christians in BiH are threatened by Muslims.