GOGANOVIĆ: LIFTING OF SANCTIONS - VICTORY FOR JUSTICE AND DEMOCRACY

ISTOČNO SARAJEVO, OCTOBER 30 /SRNA/ - The lifting of U.S. sanctions against Republika Srpska officials is confirmation that politics cannot be conducted through pressure, but through dialogue, said Aleksandar Goganović, a member of the SNSD Main Board.

Goganović told SRNA that the lifting of sanctions represents a victory for democracy and justice both in BiH and on the international stage. "For years, a political and media campaign has been waged against the SNSD and the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, without arguments and without readiness for dialogue. The goal was not conversation, but an attempt at political elimination through pressure and sanctions. Today, when the sanctions have been lifted, the very same people who demanded them are now trying to portray this event as the `capitulation` of the SNSD. If that’s the case, why are they so nervous?" Goganović asked. He emphasized that the SNSD’s policy has never been directed against any people or against BiH, but solely toward protecting the interests of Republika Srpska within the framework of the Dayton Agreement. Goganović stated that Republika Srpska remains committed to peace, dialogue, and cooperation.