Dodik softens stance: No RS secession, would ban imports to BiH from Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia

The President of the BiH entity Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, was a guest on Face TV with Senad Hadžifejzović, where he stated that there would be no secession of RS and that he does not support secessionist ideas, writes Patria.

Dodik nevertheless emphasized that he is not satisfied with the status of RS, but that he will not lead it into an adventure.

- No activity I undertake must lead to violence. I am ready to give up any activity that could essentially cause violence. I understood some messages from those who invoked war. Things in RS and BiH must be resolved through dialogue - stated Dodik.

The President of RS and SNSD, however, was somewhat milder in his views compared to his earlier public appearances, but he said that BiH cannot survive politically.

- If there is ever a separation, then it must happen peacefully, without threats. I have always said that I am for the original Dayton Peace Agreement, and that is a completely legitimate political position in which both Dayton and the Constitution must be respected. It is legitimate for Serbs, Bosniaks, and Croats in BiH to agree without foreign influence - emphasized Dodik.

He pointed out that the Bosniak people are good, hardworking, and honest, but that they do not deserve the political elite they have in Sarajevo, which sows illusions and does not lead them towards the reality of a better life.

Speaking about the funds of the Government of RS spent on lobbying and representative offices in the USA, Dodik said he was surprised by the figure of 30 million KM, but "that is an average of 3 million over about 10 years, which is not much." To Hadžifejzović's remark that Dodik signed these contracts, as did the Prime Minister of RS Željka Cvijanović, Dodik said that the lobbyists did not represent him but RS.

- And if they hadn't done that, who knows what would have happened to RS now - said Dodik.

Dodik also spoke about economic topics, and said that he still stands by the opinion that the import of water or juices from Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia should be banned in BiH for a certain period to strengthen the domestic economy.