BRANKOVIĆ: AWARD TO DODIK AND HIS VISIT TO AMERICA REPRESENT A SERIOUS POLITICAL BENEFIT FOR REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

BELGRADE, MAY 3 /SRNA/ - Diplomat and former Serbian ambassador to the United Nations Branko Branković assessed that the award presented to Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik in America, along with his visit to the United States, represents a serious political benefit for Republika Srpska.

Branković explained that during his stay in the United States and participation in the World Leaders Forum organized by Judson University, which presented him with an award for leadership and advocacy for democracy, Dodik succeeded in informing his interlocutors about everything happening in BiH and what the Dayton Agreement had envisaged. "I believe he also succeeded in explaining what Republika Srpska is and what it stands for," Branković told SRNA. He assessed that Dodik's visit to America and the recognition awarded to him mean a great deal for Republika Srpska, because many people around the world had been misinformed about what Republika Srpska wants and what it believes it should be. "Of course, Dodik, as someone who served as president of Republika Srpska, is the most prepared to explain that directly. I think Republika Srpska received certain explanations on a serious political stage, considering that all of this took place in America," Branković said. Regarding the award, Branković stated that it is a form of serious recognition for Dodik for everything he has done so far in affirming Republika Srpska and its ideas and goals. "It should be emphasized that Republika Srpska does all this while remaining committed to the full implementation of the Dayton Agreement, and we know who wants to dismantle it," Branković said. He also expressed belief that Dodik used this opportunity to explain many significant matters and circumstances related to the entire Balkan region. He pointed out that many around the world either hear or do not hear the views of the Serbian side, particularly regarding events and relations in the territory of the former Yugoslavia. According to him, Dodik is an intelligent and capable politician able to explain these matters directly, especially to people interested in developments in this region. During his multi-day visit to America, Dodik was presented with an award recognizing the courage required for leadership and commitment to national sovereignty and democratic principles, granted by Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. In addition, Dodik participated in the World Leaders Forum organized by Judson University and, during his stay in the United States, held a number of meetings, including with representatives of the Serbian community and the Serbian Orthodox Church in America.