Bosnian Serb politician Milorad Dodik once again stated that Republika Serbia will secede from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dodik, who is the president of one of the two constituent parts of Bosnia - Republika Srpska, gave an interview to the TASS agency within the framework of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which takes place from June 5 to 8.
„There is a decision on secession, but a specific day has not yet been determined (...) We would like to right now, but besides us there are two more parties on this issue,” said Dodik, answering when it could take place referendum on the independence of Republika Srpska.
Dodik said that for Republika Srpska to remain within Bosnia and Herzegovina “is synonymous with wasting time and opportunities”. In his words, however, “categorically” Republika Srpska does not want to create instability on the territory of the country. Therefore, he said, Republika Srpska has proposed that Bosnia and Herzegovina withdraw and that the Dayton Peace Agreement, which ended the 1992-1995 civil war, be terminated.
Earlier, Dodik said that within 30 days the Republika Srpska authorities will prepare a project for the peaceful division of Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to him, the project will provide for preservation of the current model of functioning of the economy and adaptation to the model of peaceful division within a few years, TASS recalls.
Dodik did not rule out the option of Republika Srpska joining Serbia in the future. In his words, “it would be natural, absolutely historically justified, for the countries in which the majority of the population is represented by the Serbian people to unite in a single structure and community”.
Dodik specified to TASS that “this is the task of future generations and the political decisions of both countries”. He gave the example of the unification of East and West Germany.
The Bosnian Serb politician also said that Republika Srpska will not give in to the West and will maintain good relations with Russia.
"We feel it (Western pressure - note ed.) daily regarding our cooperation with Russia”, said Dodik and added that nothing will change in this regard.
„We are not citizens (of the West) and we are proud of our partnership and good relations with the Russian Federation,” said Dodik.
The President of the Republika Srpska also said in the interview that he and Putin share the same views on the political situation in the Balkans.
Regarding his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday, Dodik said: “The conversation was friendly. We analyze all projects and continue to cooperate in the future. We informed each other about the political situation in the Balkans and agreed that we have identical views. The conversation lasted an hour“.
Dodik also said that Republika Srpska intends to adopt a law on foreign agents. According to him, such a bill was withdrawn under pressure.
„ We will certainly adopt this law because we are convinced that it is necessary,” Dodik pointed out. In his words, there is an organization in Republika Srpska that “very carefully monitors the financial and all other activities of the country and its leaders”.
"At the same time, we cannot ask her any questions. Who is it supported by and what does it represent", noted the president of Republika Srpska.
"There really is a lot of pressure on this. It is felt by us daily. And specifically on this issue, of course, and on the issue of our cooperation with Russia," Milorad Dodik also said.