BLAGOJEVICH: I AM PROUD TO HAVE MET DODIK, WHO HAS COURAGE TO STAND UP TO PERSECUTION

BANJA LUKA, JUNE 23 /SRNA/ - Former Governor of the U.S. state of Illinois Rod Blagojevich states there are political leaders who face persecution but have the strength and courage to resist it, and emphasized that he is proud to have had the opportunity to meet the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik.

Blagojevich said it was an honor and a pleasure to come to Republika Srpska and to personally thank President Dodik for advocating for the Serb people. "On a personal level, I'm very touched to have had the opportunity to come here, where my parents and ancestors are from," Blagojevich said at a press conference in Banja Luka following his meeting with President Dodik, adding that his father is from Šumadija and his mother, although born in the U.S., is originally from Gacko. He stated that throughout his life, he heard a great deal about the challenges the Serb people have faced over the centuries. "I'm also referring to sanctions. There are powerful forces that want to make it difficult for us to live our lives. President Dodik asked me to explain to the American people what is happening with the Serbs and to help establish closer ties," Blagojevich said. He added that he shares a common trait with both President Dodik and former U.S. President Donald Trump. "I was a governor and didn't finish my political career well – I was sent to prison. But that was political persecution. They tried to do the same to Trump, and they're doing it to Dodik as well," Blagojevich emphasized.