Tineke Strik at a protest in Brussels: As long as Orban supports Dodik, the rest of the EU remains silent

(Patria) - At a protest by the Bosnian diaspora in Brussels, aimed at raising awareness about current events and political tensions in BiH, a Member of the European Parliament, Tineke Strik, addressed the crowd, warning that the situation resembles that of the 1990s and calling on the European Union to follow the example of the United States by imposing sanctions.

Strik recalled her recent visit to BiH, during which, she said, she noticed that many citizens fear a new war.

“I come from the Netherlands and I clearly remember how your country was destroyed by violence and rhetoric, and how the world was paralyzed, watching genocide happen. The citizens of BiH believed they could trust the international community,” she stated, addressing the peaceful protest in front of the EU institutions, adding that it was painful to realize that BiH citizens were left to face murderers on their own.

“This must never happen again,” emphasized the European Parliament member, representing the Netherlands, to loud approval.

She highlighted that many are concerned about the similarities between the current situation and that of the 1990s, as well as the similarities between Milorad Dodik's rhetoric and that of the 1990s.

“He is trying to divide the country and undermine the state institutions established by the Dayton Peace Agreement,” she warned.

Strik also recalled recent events that she believes are cause for concern.

“For those who still haven't understood the message when he (Dodik) held a paramilitary exercise in October, or when he organized a vote in the National Assembly of Republika Srpska on withdrawing from institutions within six months, I believe that yesterday's unconstitutional ceremony with the presence of Russia, China, and war criminals must open everyone's eyes,” she stressed, referring to the ceremony of the unconstitutional marking of the Day of Republika Srpska on January 9th.

She said that the parade of military units with “the most heinous songs glorifying war” instilled fear among survivors and non-Serb population in Republika Srpska.

She also expressed her disapproval of the presence of French right-wing politicians at the event.

“It was horrifying to see two colleagues from the EP attending the ceremony, legitimizing his actions.”

Dodik must be stopped, Strik stated, adding that he has no right to threaten the territorial integrity or the citizens of BiH who want to live in peace and democracy.

“Currently, they feel once again that the international community has abandoned them,” she added.

The EU parliamentarian noted that the EU and the US seem to underestimate the seriousness of the situation and are engaging in talks with Dodik, who is the cause of everything.

“Their appeasement response legitimizes his actions, undermining BiH's democratic institutions and those who are elected. It also sends the wrong signal that threats are rewarded, and that it is acceptable to insult and intimidate BiH citizens, and to use inflammatory and hate speech,” she warned.

She also touched upon the support expressed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for Dodik, warning that it is the only voice currently heard from the EU while the rest of the bloc remains silent.

“It is no coincidence that the Hungarian EU Commissioner (Oliver) Varhelyi is even rewarding Dodik with 600 million euros,” Strik added.

Finally, she emphasized that despite the seriousness, the current situation differs from that of the 1990s, thanks to the Dayton Peace Agreement and the institutions that protect it – EUFOR and the Office of the High Representative, which she said must receive support in their actions to protect BiH citizens and promote peace and democracy.

“Today we gathered here to tell the EU and the international community to wake up and support a democratic and peaceful BiH, firmly protecting the Dayton Agreement. Only then can we begin to move from Dayton towards Brussels. The EU must act on its own values and protect the rule of law, inclusion, and democracy in BiH,” Strik said, adding that now is the time for a clear and firm response, to let Dodik know that he has crossed the line and that there will be consequences.

She emphasized that the EU should follow the US example in imposing sanctions and ensure that fair elections are held in the country.

“I am sure that the results of new elections will show that the majority of citizens reject this destructive path and are fighting for a country where all citizens live and work together regardless of ethnic affiliation and religion,” she concluded to loud approval from the demonstrators,” Strik said, writes N1.