LIES AND DECEPTIONS OF VARHELYI AND PAPIĆ: Dodik is neither a bearer of European endeavors, nor should his projects be discussed!

By Rasim Belko

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Two statements from different ends and positions within Europe have, as some would say, flown under the media radar today. Both speak glowingly of Milorad Dodik. But not about Dodik's blockades, threats, and ultimate demands regarding power. Today, from two completely different angles, we are receiving praise for a hardworking Dodik ready to save Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

No, we are not filming a Bosnian version of The Twilight Zone. But creating a scenario where we praise the ultimate secessionist for the promises he makes is quite evident. 

In the past few days, Oliver Varhelyi was in our country to see where we stand with preparations for potential candidate status and the formation of government. He then visited Dodik. It's only right, as they are old acquaintances. He concluded his visit with a Twitter message. In the message, he wrote: "Support for RS President Milorad Dodik, as work on BiH's candidate status has been encouraging. Reforms must be accelerated to get a positive decision from the EUCO. Political leadership is key."
And this message is not very surprising, as Varhelyi has already played games with Dodik with cards hidden under the table. It's somewhat nonsensical, as praising Dodik's work on candidate status while he plays against the EU on the Russian side. Not only that, but it's the same Dodik because of whom the BiH Parliament could not do much on reform tasks. It's the same Dodik who pushed for the adoption of regressive laws in the NSRS, which would endanger not only the European path but Bosnia and Herzegovina itself. 

Then, after Varhelyi's tweet, Žarko Papić appeared on TV screens, a supposed analyst, but actually a loyal supporter of Čović's electoral model and the exclusion of all those who oppose this model from power. Therefore, Papić is now one of the most prominent "analytical" cadres of the 'eight' and HDZ. They say he expects some positional reward for these services. 

However, I wonder what he expects from today's analysis on television. In that analysis, he asked the BiH public if they saw a new Dodik. Because, Professor Papić sees him and finds him very appealing. 
"Do you notice a change in Dodik? Suddenly he is very open to cooperation with Bosniaks in Republika Srpska. His conditions for forming the BiH Council of Ministers are not political – they are economic, development projects that can be discussed. Although he is no less dangerous because of it," says Papić. 

Interesting! And dangerous! Because Papić is not naive, but he is quite dangerous when they put him on television and present him as a political expert, and he drops this analytical bomb. Ordinary people need to understand this. 

Therefore, for clarification, let's repeat for the umpteenth time what Dodik's ultimate demands for power are – Trebinje Airport, Buk Bijela Hydroelectric Power Plant, and the gas pipeline under the Drina. Three projects with the stamps of Russia and Serbia. Three stamps that, if accepted in the division of power, will lead to the dismemberment of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Three projects that threaten every form of sovereignty, including energy sovereignty. And, according to Papić, these can be discussed. If those Papić is lobbying for in the media are listened to, one outcome is certain – the statehood of Bosnia and Herzegovina will go into bankruptcy until its final collapse!

However, Papić is not just fascinated by Dodik. He is convincing the BiH public that the agreement between the 'eight' and HDZ is "good because coalitions are based on programs, not on the distribution of seats." He then adds: "The moment the 'eight' accepts in the agreement that they will defend the constitutional provision on national equality, the situation in the Croatian national corps will relax." 

If I understand him correctly, the coalition of the 'eight' and HDZ will be good because it will work on the program of relaxing Croatian national interests and discussing Dodik's projects from the Russian agenda. 

If you consider everything Papić has said before and what he is saying now, it is completely clear that the thesis about expelling SDA and DF from power is actually a project aimed at enabling the realization of the goals of the anti-state coalition HDZ – SNSD.
The analyst, under the banner of the new federal coalition, says: "Also, SDA is no longer the leading party among Bosniaks; more of them voted for the parties of the 'eight'. This indicates that Bosniaks are starting to turn towards more serious matters when it comes to democratization, stabilization, and national equality."

And that is why I will state clearly: Papić lies in his analysis, just as all others lie when they say that the people have driven SDA out of power. Because, these days, eight parties are struggling to secure a one or two-seat advantage at various levels to even have the possibility of forming a government. Such a government will be ready to fulfill every demand of those who have supporting hands. 

Furthermore, Papić links the democratic nature of Bosniaks, their tolerance, and their readiness for everyone to be equal with SDA, which is complete nonsense. Because, generally, Bosniaks and Bosnians have been demanding equal rights for all from the streets, according to the Constitution and the European Convention. Only Bosniak political parties have never blocked Parliaments as a form of blackmail, and Bosniaks, with or without SDA, have never been a destabilizing factor. 

The danger looming over Bosnia and Herzegovina in playing with a strained government of a conglomerate of parties is far greater than the danger of SDA remaining in power. The realization of what Papić is analyzing will not only detach this country from NATO and the EU but will also threaten its existence. 

And the announcement from the OHR about the time for "Bosnia and Herzegovina to move from Dayton to a state with a modern Constitution" means only one thing – someone is preparing constitutional reforms. In these political circumstances and relations, these could be the last in a sovereign and independent Bosnia and Herzegovina!