The President of Republika Srpska (RS), Milorad Dodik, stated that if Slovenia imposes sanctions on the leadership of RS, the entity will respond with retaliatory measures.
Dodik’s comments come in the wake of reports that several EU countries, including Poland, Estonia, Czech Republic, and Slovenia, are planning to impose sanctions on Dodik, as well as on Nenad Stevandić, the President of the RS National Assembly, and Radovan Višković, the Prime Minister of RS. These officials are accused by the Bosnian Prosecutor’s Office of “attacking the constitutional order” due to laws that prohibit certain judicial institutions and the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) from operating within RS.
Germany and Austria imposed travel bans on these RS officials in early April.
In an interview with Radio Television of RS (RTRS), Srna news agency, and Alternative Television (ATV) in Moscow, Dodik said, “If Slovenia pursues a policy of sanctions, we will find a way to respond. Slovenians must know that we will implement reciprocal measures in RS, whatever that means.”
He also mentioned that Slovenian ministers might be banned from using RS as a transit route, adding, “This may sound funny to some, but it is enforceable. Even the former German minister (Ana Lirman) had to leave RS. They may laugh in Sarajevo, but they will see that this is doable.”
Dodik emphasized that RS is an important trade partner for Slovenian businesses, and that Slovenian businesspeople should know that their politics harm their interests.
He added, “Why impose sanctions? RS is not undermining Bosnia-Herzegovina; we are only asking for our constitutional position to be respected. Who are you to impose sanctions on me? What are you protecting?”
Dodik also expressed respect for Slovenia as a state, despite his generation’s difficult experience with the disintegration of Yugoslavia, and urged Slovenians not to be dishonest.
“We do not create problems for the West. We didn’t go to France, Germany, or Austria and cause trouble. They are the ones letting in masses of migrants, including members of ISIS and criminal groups, which Europe is now struggling with. But the problem is Milorad Dodik, and they are racing to ban my entry,” Dodik stated.
