Vučić: Serbia respects the territorial integrity of BiH, sanctions against the leadership of RS are unnecessary, they are welcome in our country

(Patria) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated at a press conference in Banja Luka today that Serbia respects the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"But we also ask that in the future BiH also show respect for Serbia's territorial integrity," said Vučić.

He added that he discussed the situation in Kosovo, as well as developments in RS and the sanctions imposed on the leadership of RS, with the leadership of the RS entity.

"When the most powerful country in the world imposes sanctions on you, first against parts of Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija, then sanctions against the head of the BIA, then against everyone in the leadership of RS, and previously against Dodik, these are serious, bad news that should concern us and for which we need to find pragmatic solutions. This is not child's play. It is clear who the sanctions are against, and you can see the lack of principle," said Vučić.

Vučić stated that the official position of the Republic of Serbia is that the policy of sanctions is wrong and always produces wrong effects.

"We ourselves were exposed to sanctions for almost a decade. I consider the sanctions against the leadership of RS to be inappropriate and undeserved. We have no choice and we will treat the sanctioned individuals as if they do not exist. We will not agree in any way with those who have imposed sanctions on members of our people. This is the only possible decision for us, an honorable, just, but difficult decision. Because of this, Serbia will certainly face sanctions, not direct, but indirect.

We have no choice and we will not set up blockades on the Drina River or forbid the leadership of RS from appearing in Serbia. All sanctioned individuals are welcome in our country. We are convinced that they will not bring anyone any good, and will only cause harm. Serbia advocates for the closest possible relations with RS, but also with BiH as a whole. We want to have the closest possible relations with Bosniaks, Croats, with all the peoples living in BiH. We want the removal of all bureaucratic obstacles, and we will never give up on the Open Balkans because we believe it can bring prosperity," said Vučić.

He added that Serbia respects the BiH Constitution and the Dayton Peace Agreement.

He stated that he never mentioned the 'Serbian world' and that a 'campaign of lies' is being waged.