ERA OF COLONIAL RULE IN BiH IS OVER

BANJA LUKA, JUNE 2 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska Interior Minister Željko Budimir stated that all procedures required under international law must be respected in the appointment of a new high representative, stressing that Republika Srpska's position is that the era of colonial administration in BiH has come to an end.

Budimir said the mandate of any new high representative should be time-limited and must not be exercised in a manner contrary to the Constitution of BiH, including through the misuse of the so-called Bonn powers. He noted that Russian officials told the Republika Srpska delegation during its recent visit to Moscow that Russia would support Republika Srpska's political positions regarding the issue of the high representative. Budimir said Republika Srpska and Russia share the view that the Office of the High Representative should be closed and that the time of colonial or neo-colonial governance in BiH is over. "That means, above all, that BiH should function through its Constitution and the international agreement on which it is based, while building its future together with partners willing to do so. If there is no willingness for that, then we must be prepared for other political options as well", Budimir said. According to him, developments regarding the issue of the high representative are likely to unfold soon. "It seems to me that Washington is currently playing a constructive role and that, in line with statements by US President Donald Trump, the era of supervised democracies, interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and nation-building is coming to an end in American foreign policy", Budimir said. He pointed out that Republika Srpska enjoys excellent relations not only with Russia but also with China, while also rebuilding traditionally good historical ties with the United States. "The current US administration is giving hope for the restoration of those relations", Budimir said. Commenting on the nomination of a new US ambassador to BiH, Budimir said Washington is currently defining its policy toward the Balkans. "The arrival of an ambassador would be a signal that a policy toward BiH has also been defined. I am convinced that it will no longer be a policy of ambassadors interfering in internal affairs and day-to-day politics, as Michael Murphy did", Budimir said, adding that Murphy had damaged relations within BiH. Regarding the International Security Forum recently held in Moscow, Budimir said Republika Srpska's delegation had a very successful visit and that Russian officials emphasized that the strategic partnership between Republika Srpska and Russia remains fully intact in the field of foreign relations. "President Milorad Dodik was one of the stars of the forum, a man who has become a symbol of resistance to globalism and someone who has demonstrated that a persistent policy, regardless of unfavorable international circumstances, can help secure the national interests of one's community and people", Budimir told ATV. He said the world is currently experiencing a complex transition from a unipolar to an emerging multipolar order, making it difficult for smaller states to preserve their identity, national policies and sovereignty. "This is particularly important for Republika Srpska because our sovereignty is limited. We are part of the state community of BiH, but this demonstrates that the strategic partnership developed with the Russian Federation has resulted in a successful multi-vector foreign policy of Republika Srpska in its relations with major powers", Budimir stated.