Dodik: We are banning the BiH judiciary in Republika Srpska

"I want to point out a few key elements of today's developments to the people in RS and throughout BiH. We are pleased that His Holiness visited us along with several bishops. Mr. Viskovic (RS Prime Minister) and I sent an invitation today for a meeting with the president of the Federation of BiH, the prime minister of FBiH, and his deputy prime ministers, so that they can come to Banja Luka at a time that suits them. We want to discuss the implementation of the Dayton Agreement and its original principles, and to contribute to a mutual understanding of our positions," he said at the beginning of his address and added:

"The abuse of BiH institutions is most evident in the misuse of the Prosecutor’s Office and the Court of BiH. Republika Srpska has rejected the process taking place in the Court, and today, the agenda includes banning the activities of these institutions in RS because they are not provided for in the Constitution."
Dodik stated that he is not against the EU path but opposes its misuse.

"We are not against the EU path, but we are against its abuse. Therefore, we believe that there is no justification for saying that something was done for a higher goal—it is an unconstitutional act. It is clear that the Court and the Prosecutor’s Office do not have documents signed as international agreements. Alija Izetbegovic could not have signed such an agreement on behalf of Serbs and Croats. From the very beginning, this has been a legal construct that has created ongoing problems and legal uncertainty, and this must be resolved."

He recalled an agreement with Catherine Ashton from 14 years ago.

"We previously proposed that the Court and Prosecutor’s Office could be resolved by clearly defining their positions. Fourteen years ago, we agreed that the Court and Prosecutor’s Office should be defined as both sides saw fit. This has not happened in 14 years—a long-standing deception by old fraudsters. That is why we believe it is time to bring things back to normal. We have nothing against the BiH Constitution; we want to strengthen it. This invitation proves our desire. We would love for them to come, but we have nothing against them if they refuse—it is clear that we are the ones seeking dialogue."

Dodik emphasized that this marks the completion of the first phase of banning the activities of BiH institutions.

"Today, we are completing the first phase by banning the activities of the Court, the Prosecutor’s Office, and SIPA. A new RS Constitution might also be adopted, which does not include the existence of the Council of Peoples. It is clear that the Council of Peoples has been instructed to make life difficult for RS. The Constitution stipulates that the Council of Peoples and Clubs of Peoples must express their stance on this, and if there is no agreement, the matter goes to the RS Constitutional Court. If we reach agreements with the Federation of BiH on certain issues, we will honor them. There will be no implementation of alleged plans for destabilization... I must say that we have had better economic growth in the past two months than at this time last year."

He added that RS has no intention of destabilizing anyone.

"Republika Srpska will remain peaceful and has no intention of destabilizing its economic development. To the Bosniaks, I will say: do not believe the empty stories of your politicians. They are putting you in a position where false statements create new stereotypes. (Denis) Becirovic is a member of the Presidency, not the Presidency itself—he is a 'fake figure' falsely presenting himself. Becirovic cannot do anything on behalf of BiH, especially regarding BiH’s military matters. We are not conducting, nor do we have any exercises in RS territory, and we have no intention of threatening anyone. Freedom of movement through RS is guaranteed; no one will be stopped or prevented. That is good for both Bosniaks and us. We have no intention of disrupting daily relations, but we do intend to regulate them."

"Republika Srpska wants to strengthen its position, and we believe it is entirely legitimate to challenge the functioning of the Court and Prosecutor’s Office. Once this decision becomes final, no representative of these institutions will be able to stay or operate in this territory," said Dodik.

He then explained how the new laws will be implemented.

"For example, if a prosecutor living in East Sarajevo continues working in the BiH Prosecutor’s Office, under the law, they will be prosecuted for violating that law, with a penalty of up to five years in prison. We are not interested in a 'reformed' BiH, but in a constitutional BiH. The same principle applies to SIPA. We will pass the same law for the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (VSTV). All prosecutors and judges in RS will receive new appointments and decisions in accordance with RS regulations."