DODIK: SRPSKA HAS RESOURCES TO DEFEND AGAINST POSSIBLE ATTACKS FROM FBiH

BANJA LUKA, JUNE 22 /SRNA/ – The President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik stated that Srpska has the resources to defend itself in the event of potential attacks from the Federation of BiH (FBiH) and that it is secure.

Dodik emphasized that Srpska has an answer to every challenge and every question, and reiterated that it has made it clear it does not intend to join NATO. "We must unite around Republika Srpska, not around BiH. Those who advocate for BiH are against Srpska. Don’t trust those who pose as defenders of Srpska but prefer to speak with Muslims in Sarajevo rather than in Srpska," Dodik said at Duga Njiva, where the 33rd anniversary of the Corridor breakthrough has been commemorated today. He pointed out the dangerous discourse surrounding the attempt to establish a new court at the BiH level, which, he stressed, represents a dismantling of Republika Srpska. "They want to create a court that would rule on disputes between Srpska and FBiH, and then they will bring up the issue of property," Dodik stated, adding that he will fight for the interests of Republika Srpska. He reiterated that all ideology coming from Sarajevo has been directed against Serbs. "Sarajevo is not our capital. Our capitals are Banja Luka and Belgrade," Dodik declared, emphasizing his gratitude to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić for building a strong Serbia. He noted that Srpska has the lowest level of debt and that highway construction projects are continuing. "Our strategic goal is to connect with Serbia. We have completed the projects, but Brussels is dragging its feet with securing funding. However, we are not without alternatives," Dodik said. He announced that construction on the highway from Bijeljina to Brčko will begin this summer. "Everything we are doing is to strengthen Republika Srpska. Having low debt and a low budget deficit is only possible for those who govern successfully," said Dodik, calling on the attendees to remain committed to Republika Srpska. He concluded by saying he will do everything to ensure the complex at Duga Njiva is completed and thanked retired Bishop Vasilije for establishing the monastic grounds there.