Dodik: I do not believe that Bosnia and Herzegovina can survive, the RS does nothing outside the BiH Constitution

(Patria) - The information on the transfer of competencies from the Republika Srpska to the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the field of defense and security, along with a proposal of conclusions, was presented by the member of the BiH Presidency Milorad Dodik at today's session of the NSRS. 

Dodik said that this is one of the important days for the RS.

"The Serbian character can be changed as easily as the ocean. I am not a Serbian isolationist, I want a better arrangement for the RS and a better arrangement for BiH. It is of essential importance to resolve these challenges, and there is a danger that BiH will fall apart, and the RS will head towards exit. My principle is that it must be made possible to return competencies to the entities and what BiH can do, and what it should stop doing."

He said that it is a delusion that one address is being sought, as is being attempted with BiH. 

"My principle is that entity parliaments represent the true choice of real democratic identity in BiH. BiH is moving in a direction we did not agree to. Objections relate to interference in our competencies. We are angered by rulings made by the Constitutional Court of BiH. We will not always get what we want, but that does not mean we should give up. The people will decide on a new constitution of the RS in a referendum," he said.

He called the state of BiH an experiment, and the war in BiH a "civil war." 

"The Dayton Agreement is a framework, while the substantive part is regulated by annexes signed by the entities and the Brčko District," he said. 

He called the Republic of BiH, which was internationally recognized in April 1992, a „paper republic." He said that the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina never had its own territory, because the territory was held by the Croatian Community of Herceg-Bosna and the Republika Srpska. He added that no one recognized the RBiH. 

He said they have come into a position to defend the "constitutional order." 

"All transferred competencies are not in accordance with the Constitution and they were never incorporated into the BiH Constitution," he said. 

He said that the Constitution provides for entity armies. 

"No entity may threaten or use force against another. The RS Army existed for ten years of Dayton BiH. No armed formation can cross into the territory of another entity. Some international officials welcome the defense reform and the establishment of the Ministry of Defense. The Dayton Agreement is still alive today. According to all this, the Constitution suggests that BiH does not have a unified army. There is no BiH Armed Forces, the Constitution cannot be changed by laws regardless of intentions. Why the BiH Armed Forces? An army exists to ensure defense against enemies," said Dodik.

He said he suggests withdrawing consent for the formation of the BiH Armed Forces and that within six months they see what and how next. 

"The RS has many more friends than it ever had. American policy in BiH does not work because BiH does not work. There is not enough will among the people living in it for it to function. BiH can peacefully separate if Bosniaks do not launch some military action. What is needed here is a strong majority, which will decide on laws. Some we will model and leave to BiH, and some we will withdraw. When a competency is regulated at the BiH level, it does not mean we have lost that competency. These policies are not against Bosniaks, Croats, or anyone else. What we got through Dayton, we want back. We are not interested in war," said Dodik. 

He added that he will seek to annul the High Representative's decision on the disposal of state property, and will review the relationship with the Constitutional Court of BiH. 

"Dayton strengthened the entities. I do not believe that BiH can survive. There is no internal consensus. It is legitimate to politically fight for one's rights. Let us reject the practice of the international factor telling us what is good for us. Sanctions are often mentioned, some among us invoke sanctions. This people has nothing to worry about. The RS will not take military measures even if it is militarily attacked. War is not an option. The Constitution is valid, we do nothing outside the constitution and we take what belongs to us, we want to return competencies or regulate them anew. We have losses in indirect taxes, our tranches are delayed. This is a moment of conquering freedom. The RS will be as strong as we are ready in our minds. We have no room for ill intentions towards us. We want as strong ties with Serbia as possible, why would that be a problem. In the future, we need to ensure as much integration of the Serbian people as possible. Dayton BiH provides a chance for that," said Dodik.