DODIK: WE REJECT KOS' CLAIMS THAT SRPSKA IS CARRYING OUT SECESSION

BANJA LUKA, SEPTEMBER 23 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik stated that any claims or attempts to suggest that Republika Srpska is carrying out secession, as European Commissioner Marta Kos alleges, are rejected.

Dodik emphasized that Republika Srpska cannot carry out secession, as it is a signatory to the agreement in BiH. “It can withdraw from that agreement, but this is not secession,” said Dodik, the leader of the SNSD, which dismissed Kos’ claims today at a session of the Executive Committee and Presidency. He emphasized that the SNSD’s policy toward the EU remains highly skeptical, as Brussels institutions treat Republika Srpska very unfairly. Dodik added that Kos’ lack of creativity shows that she came to engage primarily with Muslims, rather than with other peoples and constituent units. “Her smile is reserved for patting the Muslims in Sarajevo on the back, but as far as we are concerned, she does not earn a passing grade. A cheerleading stance does not contribute to BiH’s European path,” Dodik said. He reiterated that Republika Srpska is very clear — it does not want to be part of the EU that defines the imposition of laws by a foreigner as the rule of law. “We do not want to be part of a farce, nor do we want to be part of cynicism. Republika Srpska has its constitutional position within BiH, respect that,” Dodik said.