Allegations of the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik about its independence are nonsense, because such an entity would be politically and economically completely isolated in that case, a source from the European Union told Radio Free Europe (RSE).
“Any random remarks by Dodik are not really worth commenting on. Apart from his only ‘friend’ in Europe (Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor) Orban, Dodik knows very well that the story of the independence of Republika Srpska is nonsense, because such an entity would be completely isolated politically and economically , which would only bring more trouble to his people,” said RSE’s interlocutor from the EU.
He also stated that the EU strongly condemns any secessionist rhetoric in Bosnia and Herzegovina and that Brussels has made this known to politicians in Bosnia and Herzegovina on several occasions.
Regarding Dodik’s December 27 statement that Republika Srpska will declare independence if High Representative Christian Schmidt imposes a law on property, a source from the EU said that the president of Republika Srpska is “desperately trying to attract more attention and raise his importance with such remarks.”
That statement was also condemned by the US Embassy in Sarajevo, stating that Dodik “is wrong if he thinks that the US will stand aside while he pushes Bosnia and Herzegovina into conflict”.
Belgrade television N1 was told by the European Commission that the EU is seriously concerned about legislation and initiatives in Republika Srpska, including secessionist rhetoric and questioning the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“It is necessary to preserve the sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional order and international identity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. All activities directed against these principles will lead to serious consequences,” said the European Commission for N1.
