Dodik's cabinet admits German Minister's life was in danger during visit

In a lengthy public statement, Weiss argued that the visits of the German and Austrian ministers constituted a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. She accused Lührmann of a double diplomatic scandal, claiming that the German and Austrian delegations announced sanctions against three high-ranking officials of Republika Srpska—Milorad Dodik, Radovan Viskovic, and Nenad Stevandic—during their visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Weiss stated that such measures should be announced from the delegations' home countries, not during visits to the recipient country, interpreting this as a demonstration of disrespect and political barbarism.

Weiss further accused Lührmann of breaching protocols by allegedly arriving unannounced in Republika Srpska to meet with the opposition. However, it is worth noting that the meeting was announced in advance and communicated to the media and the protocol of the Republika Srpska government.

In her defence of Dodik's actions, Weiss admitted that Lührmann and her delegation were escorted out of Republika Srpska under threats, confirming earlier claims that had been avoided by Dodik's cabinet. Weiss stated that Lührmann's allegedly unannounced visit endangered her own life and the lives of her delegation, as officials sanctioned the day before enjoyed significant public support in Republika Srpska. She added that any public incident, whether verbal or physical, would have held Republika Srpska and its officials accountable.

German Minister Lührmann, however, disagreed with Weiss's assessment of public support for Dodik and his administration. During her brief visit to Banja Luka, Lührmann noted that she was warmly received by citizens and opposition members, experiencing hostility only from the local authorities.

Lührmann's visit to Banja Luka followed her official meetings with state officials in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina entity. She aimed to meet with opposition representatives and learn more about the city, which she described as warm and welcoming. While she managed to meet with members of the SDS party, her scheduled meeting with the PDP party was cancelled after the Republika Srpska government declared her persona non grata. Dodik personally requested the Republika Srpska Ministry of Interior to escort her out of the entity.

The incident has been described as an unprecedented diplomatic scandal, drawing widespread reactions. Dodik declared Lührmann unwelcome after Germany and Austria imposed sanctions on him and two other officials, banning their entry into these countries. Lührmann explained that the sanctions could be extended to those supporting Dodik, Stevandic, and Viskovic, preventing them from entering or even flying over Germany and Austria.

The three officials are on a central wanted list following controversial laws and actions that undermine Bosnia and Herzegovina's constitutional order. These measures were triggered by a first-instance ruling from the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, sentencing Dodik to one year in prison and six years of disqualification from public office for disregarding decisions of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Lührmann also expressed support for Christian Schmidt, the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stating that he is performing his duties well, has Germany's backing, and was legally appointed under the Dayton Peace Agreement. Republika Srpska authorities, however, dispute Schmidt's legitimacy.