Tineke Strik at Krug 99: Europe must clearly support the arrest of Milorad Dodik

(Patria) - Member of the European Parliament Tineke Strik was the keynote speaker at today's session of the Krug 99 association in Sarajevo on the topic "New trends in the EU perspective for Bosnia and Herzegovina".

She stated that the actions of Republika Srpska leader Milorad Dodik should be viewed in the context of the intended secession of Republika Srpska from Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the transformation of the RS into an autocracy, to which, in her opinion, the reaction from Europe must be more consistent, given that these phenomena are distancing Bosnia and Herzegovina from European integration.

It is important to provide security for people and avoid a violent solution to the current situation in BiH, but in her opinion, it is imperative to arrest Milorad Dodik, which should be done by domestic structures, and if necessary, with the help of EUFOR.

So far, there have been many condemnations of Dodik's actions and support for the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but more concrete action is lacking, concludes this member of the European Parliament.

According to her, Brussels must send unequivocal messages and encourage integration processes.

Tineke Strik emphasizes that the European Union has tools that must be used more consistently, with clearer public support for the territorial integrity and state structures of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although there is fear of escalation, Europe must clearly support the arrest of Milorad Dodik, and any kind of mediation possibly offered by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić would be a mistake, she believes.

Several times during this presentation at the Krug 99 session, Tineke Strik assessed the protests in Serbia as an encouraging sign, which in her opinion, in the long term, is also a good sign for Bosnia and Herzegovina.