German Minister to N1 after Banja Luka expulsion: This is just the beginning

Minister Lührmann spoke exclusively to N1’s Mirna Zdralovic about the incident, her messages to citizens, and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European future.
Despite actions taken by the entity’s authorities, the German Minister stated that she feels perfectly fine.

"Most of my planned agenda was completed, and I look forward to my next visit, which I am confident will happen, so I can carry out the remainder of the planned activities," she told N1.

"I have visited Bosnia and Herzegovina three or four times already, and I have always wanted to go to Banja Luka because I have heard a lot about the beauty of the city and the hospitality of the people. In Germany, I have many friends who come from Republika Srpska, and that is precisely why I wanted to go there. I was welcomed warmly—it’s a wonderful city. We walked around, and I had meetings with civil society representatives and the opposition. Then, a notice arrived from the Republika Srpska Ministry of the Interior stating that we had to leave the entity’s territory, accompanied by threats of violence if we did not comply. That is why we decided to leave," Lührmann told N1.

She added that such behaviour is a clear sign of Milorad Dodik’s weakness.

"He is losing public support and is internationally isolated. There is also an arrest warrant against him, and such reckless moves are made only by someone who has no idea what to do next," she emphasized.

The Minister stated that she would gladly visit Banja Luka and Republika Srpska again, highlighting its beautiful nature and rich cultural heritage.

https://n1info.ba/english/news/dodik-wants-republika-srpska-to-join-military-agreement-with-serbia-and-hungary/

"It is clear that Dodik does not speak on behalf of the population. People there want good relations with Germany and the European Union. They know that the European path leads to stability and prosperity. Many German companies want to invest in Republika Srpska. That is why I want to stay in close contact," Lührmann told N1.

She clarified that the sanctions do not target citizens but rather individuals due to their illegal separatist activities.

"One of the reasons for my trip to Banja Luka was to explain to the people that sanctions against Dodik and his inner circle are not aimed at citizens but rather to show that we stand with them," she stressed.

The scandal occurred a day after entry bans were imposed on Dodik, Viskovic, and Stevandic by Germany and Austria. Lührmann told N1 that the ban applies to all those who support and participate in separatist activities.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina’s institutions are taking action against such activities, and an arrest warrant exists. The entry ban is only the beginning," she declared.
She emphasized that Dodik is blocking Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European path.

"Sanctions, including the suspension of infrastructure projects worth nearly €500 million (approximately 977 million Bosnian marks) and over €1 billion (approximately 1.95 billion marks) from the Growth Plan, will be lifted when Republika Srpska’s leadership returns to a European course and allows decisions to be made at the state level," she stated.

To the citizens, she conveyed that Germany stands with them.

"I have yet to meet a person from Republika Srpska who wants to emigrate to Russia. People want to go to Germany, Austria, and the European Union. That is a clear signal," she said.

The Minister affirmed full support for the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and urged Bosnian authorities to commit to stability and the European path.
"It is necessary to appoint the chief negotiator with the EU and adopt the Reform Plan. Other Western Balkan countries have already done this, and their citizens are benefiting. That is why I appeal for these decisions to be made as soon as possible," she urged.