R.S. officials to remain in BiH institutions, Dodik says they are 'committed to R.S. policies': 'One day they will leave and never return'

(Patria) - President of R.S. and SNSD Milorad Dodik, R.S. Prime Minister Radovan Višković, Speaker of the National Assembly of R.S. Nenad Stevandić, along with representatives of the Serb people working in BiH institutions from R.S., held a meeting in Banja Luka today.

Staša Košarac, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, stated that their obligation is to represent R.S. policies in BiH institutions.

"The primary intention is to implement the decisions of R.S. institutions. Fully aware of the political crisis caused by the role of Schmidt, Murphy, Bosniak structures, and the servile opposition, we are aware of the importance of preserving peace. Sarajevo would like to have the say and make decisions. We are contaminated by the politics and messages coming from Sarajevo. We, as political representatives of R.S., are fully committed to implementing R.S. decisions. We are all as one," said Košarac.

He stated that they are aware of their capacity within the institutions and that they are seeking their rights in accordance with the Dayton Peace Agreement.

"The shameful opposition is offering itself to Schmidt, offering itself to the troika. Behind those who aspire to come to power are about 130,000 people," said Košarac.

Nikola Špirić, member of the Collegium of the House of Peoples of the BiH Parliament, stated that "we have a new de facto situation in R.S. after the adopted laws."

"The adopted laws should also be interpreted as an invitation for dialogue. Unfortunately, the silence of political Sarajevo prevails. But we must sit down and discuss all open issues. The Serb side is fully prepared. By working in the institutions, we will help implement what has been done in Republika Srpska, and that is our electoral base. We will all be on regular duties, monitor the situation, and respond to every call from R.S. institutions," said Špirić.

Dodik stated that this was a normal meeting with elected and appointed representatives in BiH institutions from R.S., and that a preparatory meeting had already been held earlier.

"The people working there are aware that they were elected as representatives of the Serb people and that they will perform their duties with consideration for Serb interests and the interests of R.S. We also discussed the possible development of the situation. There is no fuss. We will work there very consciously. We know our responsibilities. BiH has been usurped by the BiH Parliament and the Council of Ministers, it has disempowered the Presidency of BiH. A multitude of unconstitutional institutions have been created in BiH. BiH is unnecessary and it needs to be redesigned. We will know how to defend our Dayton position.

Those who were not present will likely attract attention. But we have spoken with everyone, some had obligations, some were at the previous meeting and express their commitment to these policies. We believe that the time of usurpations has passed and that it is time to put things in order. BiH has no internal sovereignty," said Dodik.

He reiterated his stance that BiH is composed of entities, denying its existence before the Dayton Peace Agreement.

When asked if they would remain in the institutions, Dodik said:

"We have precisely agreed when they will leave. We will leave one day and never return."

Commenting on the statements of his lawyers who announced an appeal against the verdict of the BiH Court, by which he was sentenced to one year in prison and a six-year ban from political activity, he said that he would no longer appear before the BiH Court.

"Without my participation and without my consent. They have my authorization, but I want to make a clear distinction. I no longer wish to go there. And if they want to show the absurdity of the process, let them go. I will not accept any verdict," said Dodik.

Staša Košarac stated that he respects the Chairperson of the BiH Council of Ministers, Borjana Krišto, but that they had to respond to Dodik's meeting.

"When the president calls to Banja Luka, it is logical that I will respond to my president and discuss important issues. We will act in accordance with our decisions," said Košarac.

The new deadline for the session of the BiH Council of Ministers is three to five days.