DODIK: INDEPENDENCE - THE ONLY WAY TO DEFEND OUR RIGHTS FROM ATTACKS

BANJA LUKA, FEBRUARY 1 /SRNA/ – SNSD Leader Milorad Dodik says the concentration of attacks on Republika Srpska’s rights is so strong that the only way to save Srpska is through the people’s right to self-determination and independence.

"The right of peoples to self-determination is a political right, verified by the United Nations. Republika Srpska is not making any military or other preparations for such a move, but it will pursue it through political will, which will be carried out at the moment when we and our friends believe that moment has come," Dodik said. He emphasized that during his visit to the United States, where he will attend the National Prayer Breakfast, two very important developments for Republika Srpska will take place. "We will have two very important meetings. That is why I decided to go," Dodik stressed. He adds that many current geopolitical issues were resolved at the top-level meetings between the United States and Russia. "What do we draw from the Greenland issue? If the UN Secretary-General says that Greenland has the right to self-determination, how is it that we do not have that right? What kind of criterion is that? You have deceived us enough with criteria, you have used double standards enough," Dodik said. Speaking about the lifting of U.S. sanctions on officials and entities in Republika Srpska, Dodik said he had requested that sanctions be lifted from SDS representatives. "SDS did not want to sign the request for lifting the sanctions. That is why people remained under sanctions," Dodik said. He emphasized that he has supported Donald Trump since his first election as President of the United States, which also contributed to the lifting of US sanctions. "We believe that the new administration is the real America," Dodik told RTRS. He assesses that Republika Srpska today, judging by the behaviour of its ruling structures, is one of the most sovereign and freest countries in the region. "The key to our existence is freedom. It is important for our people to rally around clear policies of Republika Srpska. Our goal is a peaceful separation in BiH; and it will happen," Dodik concluded.