DODIK: SLOVENIAN GOVERNMENT IRRESPONSIBLE, BUT THEIR BUSINESSPEOPLE ARE WELCOME IN SRPSKA

BANJA LUKA, SEPTEMBER 12 /SRNA/ - President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik has called on Serbs to punish Slovenia's current government in the next elections, while assuring that Srpska remains open and supportive towards Slovenian businesspeople.

"I call on our people to vote for Janez Janša in the next elections and thus show how wrong the current Slovenian government is," Dodik said, commenting on the sanctions imposed on him yesterday by Slovenia. He noted that a significant number of Slovenian companies operate in Republika Srpska and that he has personally supported and encouraged them. "Even today I will tell them that they can count on Republika Srpska as a good place for business and life. I value what we have built here. But their government is not worthy of that," Dodik told RTRS. He pointed out the contradiction of Slovenia's government supporting the rule of law on one hand, while recognizing illegitimate Christian Schmidt on the other. "Is that a source of pride for them? We'll see. Of course, I still have enough years of life ahead of me to one day visit Slovenia again," Dodik said. He stressed that he cannot believe a serious country has such an irresponsible government that engages in complete improvisation. "I still respect Slovenia as a state and its good people," he added. Dodik also dismissed claims about his alleged property in Slovenia. "Some fake portals keep writing about that. I own nothing there, not a centimeter of property. I used to enjoy visiting, but I'll live without it. I have many friends there, and they all called me," Dodik said.