Dodik, Stevandić and Višković banned from entering and transiting through Austria

(Patria) - The Austrian Embassy announced that the actions of RS President Milorad Dodik represent a threat to the stability, constitutional order and territorial integrity of BiH.

"Austria has therefore, in close coordination with other European partners, taken decisive action against the responsible politicians of the Republika Srpska entity.

We hereby confirm that bilateral measures are in place to prevent entry into Austria and transit through Austria for RS President Milorad Dodik, Speaker of the RS National Assembly Nenad Stevandić, and Prime Minister of the RS Radovan Višković," the Embassy of the Republic of Austria stated.

The Embassy thus denied Dodik's statement to the media in Banja Luka yesterday.

- There are no sanctions, I can go tomorrow, but I won't go - said Dodik, referring to an earlier claim by Austrian Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger about imposing sanctions on the RS leadership.

The Embassy's statement also notes that the purpose of the measure is to send a political signal and provide reassurance to all pro-European forces that Austria will continue to actively support them in their efforts to achieve BiH's EU membership.

"This is particularly relevant for the citizens of the Republika Srpska entity, because several politicians cannot prevent their path towards a European future," the Embassy stated.

Dodik, Stevandić and Višković are suspected of committing the criminal offense of "attack on the constitutional order." After they refused to respond to a summons for questioning, the BiH Prosecutor's Office requested their arrest, and the Court ordered their detention, after which a warrant was issued.