Dodik unclear why sanctions are being imposed on him, SNSD Executive Committee scheduled

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Member of the BiH Presidency Milorad Dodik said that the US decision to impose sanctions on him and ATV is “so senseless that he doesn't even know how to comment on it and sound coherent”.

“Perhaps the first thing that stands out is the timing of this announcement, on the eve of the most joyous Christian holiday, Christmas. Historically, as a people, we have been attacked precisely on major holidays, and I know that those behind this decision are aware of that. The second thing that comes to mind is that a country that prides itself on human rights and media freedom has sanctioned a media outlet. If that is not an attack on freedom of expression and free speech, then I don't know what is”, Dodik told Srna when asked to comment on the US decision to impose sanctions on him and ATV for activities and threats to the stability and territorial integrity of BiH.

Dodik stressed that the third thing that comes to mind is that he has been punished again without knowing why.

“The first time they said I was violating Dayton, without specifying how I violated the Dayton Peace Agreement. Now, as I hear, I am also being charged with corruption, even though no criminal proceedings for corruption are being conducted against me in BiH or anywhere else in the world”, Dodik stated.

He claims that he has not “called into question the constitutional order of BiH or its stability in any way, and it remains unclear what the creators of these sanctions had in mind” when they decided to punish him again.

“These are sanctions lobbied for by a few US officials who do not share the vision of BiH that I have and that was signed in 1995. If they think they will discipline me this way, they are sorely mistaken. I am now gaining new motivation to fight for the rights that have been taken from us for 26 years”, Dodik said.