The President of BiH’s Republika Srpska (RS) entity, Milorad Dodik, has once again sparked controversy with his statements regarding secession of the entity from the country, emphasizing that it is the political goal of the current government in RS. His renewed separatist statements prompted a reaction from BiH’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elmedin Konakovic, who stated that "Dodik’s new/old declarations of secessionism once again confirm that he prioritizes Russian interests over those of the Serb people."
In an interview with “Glas Srpske,” Dodik spoke about the political and economic pressures and sanctions RS faced over the past year, emphasizing that the entity would continue its resistance to international decisions it deems illegitimate, Srna reported.
“We are not naive to think that this is the end, but we believe that everyone has understood that this administration will not allow the confiscation of property and is prepared to go all the way”, he said, explaining that he is referring to the political goal – “the independence and sovereignty of Republika Srpska”.
“Everyone has understood that. We saw laws being imposed by an unelected foreigner, Christian Schmidt, and that is not a European standard,” Dodik said.
Dodik added that RS wants to see a more neutral policy from the United States.
“They have been one-sided so far and have done everything to undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement. When we see that, we have no reason to defend it. I expect the Americans to say they are leaving it to the people of BiH to decide the fate of the country, and we know what we will decide,” Dodik stated.
Konakovic: Dodik offers poverty
These statements drew condemnation from BiH’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elmedin Konakovic, who accused Dodik of blocking Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European path in favor of foreign interests.
Konakovic reminded that BiH is on the brink of key opportunities for economic progress through offers from the European Union, which, he noted, must not be missed. He highlighted economic development, access to EU markets, attracting investments, and funds for agriculture, education, and digitalization as opportunities that could significantly improve the lives of all BiH citizens.
However, according to Konakovic, Dodik’s actions are slowing or entirely blocking these processes, offering the citizens of Republika Srpska a scenario akin to that of Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova unrecognized by the international community.
“Recently, the authorities in Transnistria instructed citizens to heat only one room; they have no gas or electricity and are facing economic collapse. Instead of support from development funds and economic growth, Dodik once again offers misery, despair, poverty, and heating in one room,” Konakovic wrote on Facebook.
He concluded by stating that Dodik knows well that secession is impossible and that BiH institutions, with the support of international partners, will protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state, emphasizing the importance of occasionally reminding him of that fact.
Kakvo je tvoje mišljenje o ovome?
Budi prvi koji će ostaviti komentar!