RS entity officials: Moscow visit confirms strong ties with Russia and calls for closure of OHR

President of the RS Sinisa Karan said that the visit to Moscow demonstrated that the RS pursues, as he put it, "a responsible and principled policy based on the protection of its interests and strengthening international partnerships".

“During talks with Russian officials, discussions were held on preserving the constitutional position of the RS and respecting the Dayton Peace Agreement. We pointed to the undermining of the Dayton Agreement through decisions of the High Representative, and the need to close the Office of the High Representative was emphasized,” Karan added.

He said it is difficult to imagine that the three constituent peoples and two entities in BiH can have a basis for cooperation if Schmidt’s decisions remain in place.

President of the RS National Assembly Nenad Stevandic said that the reception of the RS delegation in the Kremlin was the result of “persistence and determination of Republika Srpska.” He assessed that Christian Schmidt has destroyed interethnic relations in BiH, adding that “the RS will outlive all High Representatives.

The SNSD leader, Milorad Dodik, said that the meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin "was one of the most important talks the RS delegation has had so far".

“The reception in Moscow was at a very high level, and we defined the continuity of our relations. It is impressive that President Putin is fully familiar with all details of cooperation between the RS and Russia,” Dodik said.

He added that he was proud to attend the Victory Day celebrations over fascism, noting that "in other parts of Europe, there are attempts to rewrite history".

“The relationship we have with Russia is based on interests and support, but without interference in internal affairs,” Dodik said.