Thanks to Zoran Janković and Tanja Fajon: Slovenia will not impose sanctions on Milorad Dodik

(Patria) - Slovenia will not impose sanctions on the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, Istraga.ba has learned from several diplomatic sources in Ljubljana.

The introduction of sanctions, this portal has learned, is opposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, headed by Tanja Fajon.

According to Istraga's information, the Mayor of Ljubljana, Zoran Janković, is most responsible for this stance of the Ministry, as he directly engaged in lobbying against sanctions because he does not want to spoil his relationship with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

A part of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia is in favor of imposing sanctions, but given that there is no consensus within the coalition, sanctions will not be imposed at this time.

Let us remind you, Germany and Austria have imposed sanctions on Dodik, Nenad Stevandić, and Radovan Višković. These two EU member states decided to act independently because there is no consensus for imposing sanctions at the Brussels level.

Germany and Austria have banned Dodik, Stevandić, and Višković from entering their territory.

The Netherlands may soon impose similar sanctions, and along with possibly one or two other countries, that would be all of the "flood of sanctions" announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković.

The Republic of Croatia, we remind you, refused to impose sanctions on Dodik and others.

- It seems to me that the initiative to adopt sanctions at the EU level will not pass. From everything we are following, in terms of the positions of the member states, it is not realistic.

As for Croatia, we are not in the same position as countries that are not immediate neighbors. We are immediate neighbors - said Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, after a meeting with the leader of HDZ BiH, Dragan Čović, in Mostar.

Similar views are held by the leaders of the Slovenian government, who are, in fact, listening to the views of Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković.

Let us remind you, the Mayor of Ljubljana openly supported Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić at the end of January this year.

He then sent a letter to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and stated that "in these moments, it is more important than ever to preserve peace and stability in Serbia," Vučić's press service announced.

"In these demanding and pivotal moments, when Serbia is facing numerous challenges, I want to express my sincere support and appreciation for all that you have done for the development and stability of the country.

Your leadership, determination, and vision are key to the progress that Serbia has achieved in recent years, and I am convinced that this path must continue.

I am aware that the pressures are great and that moments of uncertainty are a test for every leader. But, precisely in these moments, it is more important than ever to preserve peace and stability in Serbia.

Without it, there is no future, no prosperity, nor security for the people who believe in their homeland," Janković's letter reads.

Janković's influence on the Government of Slovenia is enormous. However, besides him, Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, who recently boasted about receiving the keys to the City of Sarajevo, also opposes sanctions.

Zoran Janković and Milorad Dodik have been friends for many years. In September 2022, Janković supported Milorad Dodik during the election campaign for the General Elections.

- I hope the president wins and that we will continue our cooperation. Friendship is shown in difficult times, and the situation in Europe is not easy. I wish him all the best - Janković said at the time.