War veterans say: We are monitoring the situation with Dodik, no one wants war, but we are ready to defend the homeland

(Patria) - Regarding the current attack on the constitutional and legal order of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the evident attempt to undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement, veteran associations stemming from the Army and the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina today held a press conference in Sarajevo to present their views on the current developments.

They expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation caused by the activities and actions of the leadership of the Bosnian entity of Republika Srpska.

- As those who defended and successfully defended the institutions of our state with their lives, we feel called upon to inform the citizens of our views. On this occasion, we will inform all current political participants in the ongoing events of our feelings, opinions, and demands.

We want to send a message that we stand in defense of BiH and the defense of BiH's state institutions. That we protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH. No one wants war - was the joint message of the press conference participants.

Retired General Ismet Alija addressed on behalf of the Association of Generals of BiH.

- As justification for his actions, Dodik and his minions invoke some original Dayton of his, which is nothing other than their already seen swapping of theses.

The original Dayton also includes the OHR tasked with implementing the peace agreement, and Dodik is brutally attacking that institution as well. Just as he attacks the constitutional and legal institutions of BiH. The intention behind all the suspiciously acquired wealth and power he has secured is obvious.

In accordance with the provisions of the Dayton Peace Agreement, we demand an adequate response from international agencies and competent institutions against the MUP of Rs. The MUP of Rs is currently a threat to the territorial integrity of BiH. If they do not do that, we have the full right and obligation to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of BiH.

We support all state institutions, and we demand that their employees act in accordance with the law. We especially emphasize that they respect the Dayton Peace Agreement. On our behalf, I send a message to all those who do not respect the Dayton Peace Agreement to stop that practice - Alija said.

Aljo Bošnjaković, president of the Union of Associations of Recipients of the Highest War Awards of BiH, stated that they want exclusively peace.

- We are not here today, nor did the general do so, nor will I, to give some grand speeches, especially not, God forbid, speeches against peace, but on the contrary, these are speeches exclusively for peace. More than ever, coordinated action is needed without any reckless behavior by individuals.

It is necessary to act in a timely manner so that it is not too late for some issues later, but at the same time, we do not need action driven by emotions that could cause harm to ourselves and the people. Wisdom, vigilance, and readiness are needed, as well as vertical and horizontal interaction of institutions and our people. We must be ready and prepared for every possible situation that may arise. Everything for Bosnia, Bosnia for nothing - Bošnjaković said.

Alija Jašarević from the Union of Police Associations said that they "are monitoring the current situation in BiH, and are doing everything to prevent the situation from escalating."

- We support all peaceful solutions within legal norms. The Dayton Agreement and the constitutional and legal order of BiH must be respected. As a representative of police veterans, I give full support to all those agencies that do their job in accordance with their mandates, and not to those who skillfully avoid their job. I tell the citizens of the Federation of BiH to have full confidence in the institutions of BiH, and we veterans are ready to defend every inch of BiH, God forbid. We are for peace, but we will not allow anyone to touch us either - Jašarević said.

President of the Association of Green Berets Muhamed Švrakić claimed that "Dodik is creating his own scene in order to preserve his acquired property."

- What we have on the scene today, believe me, is only the scene of Dodik and individuals, not all Serbs. With this, Dodik wants to preserve, that is, turn BiH into a second Cyprus. That means causing the smallest problem, so that he can bring his special forces to the borders of the Federation and Republika Srpska, and then seek protection from EUFOR.

I can publicly say that through our associations, sections, and membership, we have had many talks with veterans of associations in Rs, and we can publicly say that people are not for any kind of war and do not support Dodik and those around him. Republika Srpska was signed by Dayton, we must respect that, and the people of Rs should choose people who will lead them together with us towards a better future. Veterans will never allow the disintegration of BiH, but we must first know that we all want peace - Švrakić said, as reported by Faktor.