DODIK: I WOULDN'T EXPLAIN TO GERMAN AMBASSADOR WHAT SERBS HAVE GAINED FROM RUSSIA THROUGHOUT HISTORY

BANJA LUKA, MARCH 18 /SRNA/ - SNSD president Milorad Dodik stated that ambassadors should not interfere in the internal affairs of the host country, and that he would not explain to the Ambassador of Germany to BiH, Alfred Grannas, what the Serbian people have received from Russia throughout history, nor what they have received from those who lecture them.

Dodik noted that he had heard of Ambassador Grannas long ago, stating that he had been chief of staff to Carlos Westendorp at the time when the High Representative began applying the so-called Bonn powers. “That is why it somewhat surprises me that today, as the ambassador of Germany, he speaks in the language of a policy that was already legally questionable at the time,” said Dodik. He noted that Carlos Westendorp openly admitted this, quoting him: “At the Bonn conference, we managed to introduce a mechanism by which the High Representative could make such decisions, which, legally speaking, is not entirely in line with the Dayton Agreement. I must admit that it was not exactly legal.” Dodik said that, judging by Grannas’s interview, the ambassador, as a former chief of staff to Carlos Westendorp, is continuing precisely the practice that his former superior described as a violation of the Dayton Agreement. After the horrors the world experienced due to the violation of the Treaty of Versailles, Dodik said, the Germans, in particular, should best understand how important it is to respect international agreements such as Dayton. “As far as I know, and I do know, ambassadors should not interfere in the internal affairs of the host country. The German ambassador has clearly attended some other schools, but figures from the past are his role models for unlawful practice. The ambassador is violating international conventions and endangering the already low level of understanding between the Serbian and German peoples,” Dodik emphasized. He added that the sanctions he is referring to are a reflection of Germany’s weakness, and that it is now clear how justified it is that Christian Schmidt, who falsely presents himself, is on their sanctions list. “We will write to your minister about your improper conduct and your violation of international conventions. We will wait for a response. As far as you are concerned, we are in no hurry. Our position will depend on his reaction. Reciprocity is the basis of diplomacy. Until then, talk to the opposition, they are your product anyway,” Dodik stated. Dodik said that the German ambassador mentioned Russia and confirmed that he supports President Vladimir Putin. “I would not explain to the ambassador what the Serbian people have received from Russia throughout history, and what they have received from you who are lecturing us today. Both historically and today - it is incomparable in favor of Russia,” Dodik emphasized. According to him, Russia stood by the Serbian people in the most difficult historical moments, when others remained silent or bombed them, and was a voice defending international law when others sought to trample over it. “Russia was a country that understood our struggle to preserve our identity, freedom, and the right to decide our own destiny. There are no words or pressures that can change that in the consciousness of the Serbian people. This is a relationship not based on pressure or blackmail, but on historical memory, respect, and mutual understanding,” said Dodik. He added that he had noticed that the ambassador has now turned to the economy, emphasizing that every investment and the importance of the German economy are respected in Republika Srpska. However, he stressed, the truth is simple — through cooperation with Russia, Republika Srpska, BiH, the Western Balkans, and even the German economy could have had the cheapest gas in Europe and strong economic growth. “That did not happen precisely because you irresponsibly squandered your chances to continue strengthening economically, and because, through violations of the Dayton Agreement and political blockades, such projects are being halted to the detriment of everyone. We understand that, even though we see that Germany itself persists in a policy of hostility toward Russia,” said Milorad Dodik. He added that this policy has cost Germany - its economy and its citizens - the most. “And let me be clear: today we support President Donald Trump, and we support Israel. Honestly, from the ambassador’s interview, I am not sure which side he is on. In a world emerging from the fog cast by policies like his, the situation is crystal clear for us,” Dodik said. He also noted that the ambassador spoke about insults. “Imagine — you! You are insulting our intelligence and historical memory. I won’t discuss the First and Second World Wars now, the camps for Serbs and Jews, Hans-Dietrich Genscher, you, Ambassador. I will address Christian Schmidt next time — and I am sure there will be one,” Dodik said. He emphasized that the Serbs did not oppose the unification of the German people, and asked why the ambassador is bothered by such aspirations of the Serbian people. “Do you think we are worth less? Stop interfering in the management of the Central Election Commission of BiH; that is not your mandate. We weren’t born yesterday either. You are not doing this out of love for the peoples in BiH, but for your own benefit. Corruption is a criminal offense under the laws of your country as well. I believe you know that,” Dodik concluded.