KUZMANOVIĆ: SANCTIONS – A BLOW TO DEMOCRACY

BANJA LUKA, JANUARY 17 /SRNA/ - The President of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Republika Srpska, Rajko Kuzmanović, told SRNA that the latest U.S. sanctions against individuals from Srpska represent a blow to democracy worldwide.

Kuzmanović emphasized that while some see the U.S. as a savior, others see something different - a nation presenting itself as the guardian of global interests. "I must say that this is the latest blow to democracy, as it imposes sanctions on a number of people engaged in science, technology, and modern developments," Kuzmanović stated. He said that he would continue the work he had been doing for years. "We move forward, we continue in the direction of developing a positive society, and we move forward in protecting Republika Srpska and its dignity," Kuzmanović emphasized. The Office of Foreign Assets Control /OFAC/ of the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that it has sanctioned eight individuals who participated in organizing the celebration of Republika Srpska Day on January 9. The latest sanctions include the Minister of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska, Siniša Karan, the President of the Constitutional Court of Republika Srpska, Džerard Selman, and the President of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Republika Srpska, Rajko Kuzmanović. Also sanctioned were the chief of staff of the President of Republika Srpska, Danijel Dragičević, the secretary general of the Government of Republika Srpska, Dalibor Panić, the director of the Republika Srpska Protocol, Goran Raković, the director general of RTRS, Dijana Milanković, and the spokesperson for United Srpska, Goran Filipović. OFAC stated that sanctions were also imposed on five individuals who, as alleged, "assist in enriching the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, and his family at the expense of the public."