DODIK: SRPSKA - RUSSIA RELATIONS WILL GAIN ADDITIONAL MOMENTUM

BANJA LUKA, APRIL 21 /SRNA/ – SNSD Leader Milorad Dodik stresses that Republika Srpska and Russia have strategic cooperation and that these relations will gain additional momentum following today's meeting between officials of Srpska and Russia in Banja Luka, as well as an upcoming meeting in Moscow.

"Those in BiH who think something is being done against them are undermining international law and the Dayton Peace Agreement, believing they can do so with the assistance of a fake High Representative such as Christian Schmidt," Dodik said at a press conference in Banja Luka. Dodik emphasized that Republika Srpska is grateful to Russia for supporting the Dayton Peace Agreement. "This country does not take sides with anyone in BiH, unlike Berlin and London, which have hidden and malicious intentions toward us," Dodik said, adding that Russia supports international law. Dodik pointed out that the EU, after imposing sanctions on Russia, has been left without raw materials, is no longer competitive, and has no unifying programme, apart from false narrative about Russia. He stressed that Republika Srpska is working to ensure the visibility of its positions and thanked Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko for being in Banja Luka today and for supporting Srpska's views. "Please convey our greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who demonstrate understanding and a fair approach to international law," Dodik said. He added that property issues were also discussed at the meeting, reiterating that this matter is regulated by the Constitution in BiH. "If the property issue gets imposed in BiH, Republika Srpska will make its own decisions. Those decisions will be that we do not accept impositions and that Srpska will be ready for independent development," Dodik said. He emphasized that Russia being interested in the stability of the Balkans is very important, adding that the country respects everyone and tends to help, rather than impose anything.