DODIK: REPUBLIKA SRPSKA PRESERVATION POLICY HAS PREVAILED

BANJA LUKA, JUNE 25 /SRNA/ – SNSD President Milorad Dodik has stated this evening that, despite numerous challenges, the policy of preserving Republika Srpska has prevailed, adding that this is why he has continued to receive the support of voters over the years.

"The people must choose both the individual and the policy and give them the strongest possible support because these are the circumstances we live in. There is nothing but praise to be said about the work of Željka Cvijanović and Savo Minić, who went from the student benches to the Bihać battlefield", Dodik told K3 Television. He stressed he remains committed to the principled policy of the party he leads, centered on preserving Republika Srpska, and that this is why he believes he will continue to enjoy public support. "The policy I advocate has been successful, and its goal is to preserve our values - our family, language, culture", Dodik said. He added that SNSD's policies are aimed at protecting Republika Srpska, which he described as a beacon of freedom, noting that current investments in Republika Srpska amount to BAM 6.5 billion. "I have always fought for Republika Srpska. When I once visited former Republika Srpska President Radovan Karadžić and testified at his trial, they did not remove his handcuffs during the entire four-hour hearing. That was humiliating, yet even today Karadžić has not lost his commitment to Republika Srpska", Dodik added. He reiterated that, under the current circumstances in BiH, Serb unity is essential and that Republika Srpska's future must not be jeopardized. Dodik also repeated that Republika Srpska supports the policies pursued by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on national and state matters, saying they promote a strong Serbia. "We are interested in Serbia's stability because it is undoubtedly our partner", Dodik said. He stressed that everyone should contribute something positive to Republika Srpska and expressed confidence in the country and its land. "My homeland, not my private property, is Republika Srpska. Every individual should do something good for our Republic. Let us unite around Republika Srpska because, as Serbs, we must never again embrace any ideology that undermines our national interests", Dodik said. He argued that the only viable framework for the future lies in addressing the Serb national and historical question through the concept of a lasting and enduring Republika Srpska. According to Dodik, the political contest ahead will be between Sarajevo and Banja Luka. "I represent Banja Luka together with the people around me, while Bakir Izetbegović represents Sarajevo. If Sarajevo prevails, Republika Srpska will be devastated within a year. That would lead to an exodus of Serbs, which is why Izetbegović says I can take only as much land as sticks to my shoes", Dodik warned. He said this reflects how Bosniak political leaders envision BiH. "That is why I say to our people, think carefully. Give us the strength so that Željka Cvijanović can go to Washington and speak about Republika Srpska and our needs, while I can go to Moscow. A new chapter is now opening in which we must resolve our own issues", Dodik concluded.