DODIK: CITIZENS ALONE WILL DETERMINE SRPSKA'S FUTURE, NOT FOREIGN ACTORS

BANJA LUKA, JUNE 19 /SRNA/ – SNSD leader Milorad Dodik stated that the future of Republika Srpska will be decided by its people, not by those who remember Republika Srpska only when they want to exert pressure on it.

"It is interesting how, ahead of every election, those who have spent years looking for ways to weaken Republika Srpska suddenly become active. In recent days, a delegation from NDI, an organization linked to political structures that have consistently supported policies of pressure against Republika Srpska, visited Banja Luka," Dodik wrote on the social media platform X. Among the delegation members, he noted, was Tanja Fajon, whom he described as well known for advocating sanctions against Republika Srpska and its institutions. "Nevertheless, as always, we showed that we are good hosts and that we are not afraid of any conversation. I believe they left Banja Luka disappointed," Dodik pointed out. He stressed that SNSD has no reason to fear elections, just as it had no reason to fear them in the past. The citizens of Republika Srpska decide elections, not foreign foundations, embassies or political operatives, Dodik added. "The opposition has exhausted nearly all excuses for previous electoral defeats and is now evidently searching for new ones," Dodik stated. "What is particularly concerning is what could be heard at some of the other meetings held during their visit," Dodik said. "Instead of discussing democracy and elections, certain individuals are already considering scenarios for challenging the will of voters if it becomes clear that SNSD enjoys the strongest support. That has nothing to do with democracy. It has to do with attempts to destabilize Republika Srpska," Dodik pointed out. Dodik said such efforts would not succeed and that Republika Srpska would preserve its stability, institutions and democratic will. "We did not accept foreign interference even when those carrying it out were far more powerful than they are today, and we will not accept it now. The future of Republika Srpska will be decided by its people, not by those who remember Republika Srpska only when they wish to put pressure on it," Dodik emphasized.