SERBS HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO OPOSE POLICIES THAT THREATEN SRPSKA'S INTERESTS

ISTOČNO SARAJEVO, SEPTEMBER 24 /SRNA/ - The Serb people have the right to oppose policies they believe threaten the interests of Republika Srpska, President Milorad Dodik said.

Speaking to reporters in Istočno Sarajevo, Dodik stressed that it was important to ask why Serbs who had traditionally lived in Sarajevo, but were expelled from the city during the war, did not return to their property and resume their lives there. He stressed that everyone can live as equals in Republika Srpska, but that Serbs do not want to lose again the territory they consider their own. He stressed that he hates no one and wishes no harm to Bosniaks, but explained that, as a politician, he has an obligation to oppose policies he believes are not in the interests of the Serb people. Dodik pointed to double standards towards Serbs, citing examples of engagements being cancelled over social media posts, as well as the case of a boy who was expelled from a football club in Sarajevo following a particular post. He added that, as a politician and statesman, he has an obligation to ensure that the citizens of Republika Srpska have “peaceful nights and peaceful days,” and that he does not want to see terrorist or criminal groups in this area. He criticised the work of judicial institutions at the BiH level, saying that the courts and prosecutors’ offices generate instability and contribute to divisions. As for statements made by BiH representatives from Sarajevo on the international stage, Dodik said that no one should express positions that have not been agreed upon within BiH. “You cannot go onto the international stage if the position you are putting forward has not been agreed upon,” Dodik said. He stressed that the call for agreement did not mean putting up fences or taking any other measures, but rather that Republika Srpska wanted to decide on matters concerning its interests. He said that Republika Srpska did not interfere in the affairs of the Federation of BiH /FBiH/, but called on the FBiH not to interfere in the affairs of Republika Srpska either. He reiterated that Republika Srpska did not want to accept solutions imposed on it, citing migrants as an example.