JELINČIĆ: BAN ON DODIK'S ENTRY DOESN'T REFLECT MAJORITY VIEW IN SLOVENIA

BANJA LUKA, SEPTEMBER 12 /SRNA/ - The president of the Slovenian National Party Zmago Jelinčič told SRNA that the Slovenian Government's decision to ban Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik from entering the country does not reflect the views of the majority of Slovenia’s citizens, who respect Republika Srpska and its people, but clearly shows that foreign affairs are decided in Brussels rather than Ljubljana.

Jelinčič said that Slovenia and Republika Srpska have long had good and successful economic relations, as well as well-developed friendly ties. "Such moves damage traditionally good relations between peoples and needlessly create tensions where cooperation, mutual respect, and understanding should prevail," Jelinčič emphasized, adding that he was surprised and appalled by the Slovenian Government’s decision. He believes that the Slovenian Government does not understand the Balkans or the broader foreign policy situation, but instead seeks to follow Brussels obediently and without reflection. "They fail to understand that this is, in fact, a continuation of the isolation of Republika Srpska and the Serb people because of their close ties with the Russian Federation and BRICS countries. The signing of a military agreement with Croatia, which had earlier signed similar agreements with the /self-proclaimed/ Kosovo and Albania, provides a framework within which Europe seeks to position Republika Srpska as well. A closed circle, into which the EU, together with Christian Schmidt, will draw parts of BiH outside Republika Srpska, could become a potential strike force in the event of an escalation of violence," Jelinčič said. He said that his party is aware of the senselessness and recklessness of the Slovenian Government's actions. "We are probably the only ones on the Slovenian political scene who understand international politics, especially when it comes to the Balkans. We are convinced that the future lies in building connections and strengthening relations, not in erecting walls," Jelinčič said. He expressed hope that Slovenia will not, under pressure from Brussels, resort to even more extreme measures.