NECESSARY MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN TO PROTECT DODIK

BANJA LUKA, JULY 1 /SRNA/ - The Ministry of the Interior /MOI/ of Republika Srpska will not allow any attacks on officials of Republika Srpska, and especially not on Milorad Dodik, whom the people of Republika Srpska have repeatedly elected as their legitimate representative, and all necessary measures will be taken to ensure his protection, according to a statement from the MOI of Srpska.

The Ministry of the Interior of Republika Srpska stressed that all necessary measures and actions will be taken to protect Dodik, particularly in light of publicly voiced threats by SDA leader Bakir Izetbegović and references to an "armed force." "Republika Srpska is a stable and safe place to live for all peoples, and we call on Bosniak politicians from the Federation of BiH /FBiH/ to stop spreading religious and ethnic hatred in Srpska to destabilise and disturb, above all, the citizens themselves, and to focus their attention on the FBiH," the Ministry of the Interior said. The relevant Minister Željko Budimir said he strongly condemns the statements and threats of the use of armed force made by Bakir Izetbegović against Milorad Dodik, stressing that such rhetoric represents an unacceptable form of political conduct and directly contributes to rising tensions and unsettling the public. The Ministry of the Interior of Republika Srpska said it remains committed to maintaining public order and peace, the security of all citizens, and the protection of the institutions of Republika Srpska, and that it will, in accordance with the law, monitor all developments that may lead to a deterioration of the security situation. "We call on all political actors to refrain from irresponsible and dangerous statements, and to contribute through their actions to peace, stability, and mutual respect," the Ministry of the Interior concluded.