DEĐANSKI: PUTIN SHOWED APPRECIATION FOR DODIK'S FIGHT FOR INTERNATIONAL LAW AND INTERESTS OF THE SERBS

BELGRADE, OCTOBER 3 /SRNA/ - Political analyst Stevica Deđanski assessed that the meeting between Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi is extremely significant for Srpska, demonstrating that Russia values President Dodik’s fight for international law and the interests of the Serbs.

"By doing so, Putin also confirmed his deep appreciation for the friendship of the Serbian people and the affection Serbs hold for Russia," Deđanski told SRNA. He emphasized that Dodik’s meeting with Putin gains additional significance because it took place on the sidelines of the International Valdai Discussion Club forum, which is the most important gathering where intellectuals convene and lay the groundwork for Russia’s future actions. "At this forum, various ideas are discussed, adopted or not, and President Putin shares his views on the path forward. That is why, considering that Dodik met with Putin at such a venue, the encounter carries even greater importance than it would under ordinary circumstances," Deđanski emphasized. He believes it is also very important that Putin supported what the Serbs have consistently emphasized, the desire to conduct dialogue and engage in discussion. "Putin supported us in our commitment to international law, which means that the Dayton Agreement should not be violated and that decisions cannot be imposed against the will of the people," Deđanski stated. According to him, Putin was more than in agreement with Dodik on this point, which is particularly significant given that Russia will preside over the UN Security Council for the next six months. "That means that in the UN Security Council, issues will be raised that support international law, and specifically the interests of the Serbian people, both regarding Kosovo and Metohija and Republika Srpska," Deđanski stated. He added that it is extremely important that Russia and Putin are aware that Dodik enjoys the highest level of trust among the citizens of Republika Srpska, and that this cannot be altered by any kind of engineering. "The West likes to change the opinion of the people if they do not like what the people think about them, so Russia’s guarantee is a renewed proof that it is our most friendly country, which will stand with Serbia, Republika Srpska, and the Serbian people. This is always encouraging, especially now, when we know how exposed we are to pressures and how much President Dodik is under pressure," Deđanski emphasized.