DODIK: SRPSKA READY TO FORM PEOPLE’S DELEGATION FOR TALKS WITH BOSNIAKS

MODRIČA, JUNE 22 /SRNA/ – The President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik stated that Srpska is ready to form a people's delegation to engage in talks with Bosniaks about the future.

Dodik explained that this people’s delegation from Republika Srpska would include politicians, as well as representatives of non-governmental organizations and scientific institutions. If they are willing, he said, the Serb side is available. If not, they don’t have to agree, but he believes this is a solid foundation for peace. “We are offering the Bosniak people dialogue. I think it’s pointless to talk about a dialogue at the level of political parties—what we need is a dialogue between peoples. We support a constitutional BiH,” Dodik emphasized. He also believes that a dialogue should be held within Republika Srpska itself, noting that he has made several attempts to meet with opposition representatives, but that they believe there is no need for dialogue. “I don’t want to rub salt into wounds, but I think that, if we are responsible people, we should sit down. They may not need us, and we may not need them, but for the sake of the people, we must talk,” Dodik said. He proposed that the opposition accept the formation of this people’s delegation of Republika Srpska to negotiate and discuss the future with the Bosniaks, stating that the delegation would include representatives from both the government and the opposition. “It is clear that political-level talks are overly politicized to the point where they have no chance of success,” Dodik said.