DODIK CALLS FOR COOPERATION AND EMPHASIZES REPUBLIKA SRPSKA'S DEGREE OF AUTONOMY

BANJA LUKA, MAY 21 /SRNA/ – The speech by the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, marking 30 years since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, is one of the most significant since the founding of Srpska, and one of its main messages is that Republika Srpska possesses a defined degree of autonomy and independence, said international relations expert Lućiano Kaluža.

He pointed out that Dodik, in his address, called for cooperation, partnership, and respect for the Dayton Agreement. Kaluža assessed that Dodik's speech at the special session of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska is equally important for both the history and the future of Srpska. He stated that one of the key messages of the speech is that Republika Srpska undeniably has its own level of autonomy and independence within BiH, and even beyond, considering its cooperation with countries on the international stage. “The messages convey a strengthening of Republika Srpska’s cooperation with other countries. On the other hand, partnership is being offered to the Federation of BiH (FBiH) to build a technocratic BiH that should function as one country, implementing laws based on the Dayton Peace Accords,” Kaluža told SRNA. He emphasized that the offer of partnership also includes the continued building and preservation of peace, as well as the improvement of the status of BiH citizens. “It is now clear to everyone – we are offering partnership, cooperation, agreement, and consensus — everything that is characteristic of developed democratic countries. We are offering dialogue, which should be acceptable to any reasonable person in BiH,” Kaluža stressed. He also noted that Dodik did not claim that Republika Srpska is seeking more than what rightfully belongs to it. “An outstretched hand and an attempt to establish and build dialogue on the principles of the Dayton Agreement are the only foundations upon which BiH can rest,” Kaluža underlined. He believes this is what all citizens of BiH truly want. “To establish a minimum of consensus and agreement, as well as the standards and principles by which BiH will function — and for international representatives to no longer have the authority or mandate to negatively influence the shaping of institutions and the political lives of citizens,” Kaluža said. He stated that the speech was also directed at representatives of the international community and foreign countries. “The message is — do not interfere negatively, but be our partners and supporters in developing institutions and a democratic society in BiH,” Kaluža added. He emphasized that the speech clearly states that any imposition is undesirable and that Republika Srpska does not seek conflict within BiH, but rather partnership and cooperation. “This is a message to all countries — even those whose roles have not been positive so far — that the hand of cooperation and partnership in building a common BiH is still extended,” Kaluža concluded.