KARAN'S VICTORY – CONTINUATION OF POLICIES THAT OPEN NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

BELGRADE, FEBRUARY 10 /SRNA/ - Political analyst Stevica Deđanski assessed that Siniša Karan's victory in the repeated early elections for President of Republika Srpska represents a confirmation of the continuity of Milorad Dodik's policies, and emphasized that a series of diplomatic meetings by Republika Srpska officials provides room for achieving new opportunities and rights for Republika Srpska.

Deđanski stated that Karan's victory confirms that Dodik's policies have been validated, and that the majority of the Serb people recognize these policies are focused on defending national interests and preserving Republika Srpska. "I think nothing more needs to be said. This is a clear victory, a continuation of the success Republika Srpska and Dodik achieved through diplomatic actions in the recent period, which is enviable," Deđanski said. He recalled Dodik's meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and, finally, his visit to the U.S. and attendance at the Prayer Breakfast. "I believe that Republika Srpska has a secure future thanks to this government and Dodik. And that is something that should continue to be worked on," Deđanski said. When asked whether Dodik, in his announced intentions to restore Republika Srpska's competencies, has support not only from Russia but also from the administration of Donald Trump, Deđanski said he believes that this is "slowly opening up". "We cannot say that this will change overnight, but by persistently showing how much the Dayton Peace Agreement is being violated, where the initiator was the US, while in reality it is carried out by Sarajevo. I think that says it all. Republika Srpska has a future and can set things right in this area as well," Deđanski assessed.