The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury has removed Milorad Dodik, President of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), from its sanctions list. Dodik had previously been sanctioned twice due to actions deemed anti-Dayton, reports RFE.
In addition to Dodik, 48 individuals and entities from the Western Balkans, previously sanctioned under the US Balkan Sanctions Program, have also been removed. According to OFAC, US sanctions are regularly reviewed to ensure they advance US economic, national security, and foreign policy objectives.
The decision cited Dodik and the National Assembly of Republika Srpska’s recent constructive actions, which are expected to improve stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and enable partnership with the United States based on mutual interests, economic potential, and shared prosperity. The US plans to continue cooperating with political and civil actors across Bosnia and Herzegovina to promote common priorities.
Earlier this month, OFAC also removed four individuals from Republika Srpska’s sanctions list for organizing the unconstitutional January 9 celebration: Danijel Dragičević, Jelena Pajić Baštinac, Dijana Milanković, and Goran Raković.
Notably, Republika Srpska had signed a lobbying contract with Zell & Associates International Advocates in the US to promote the lifting of sanctions on Dodik and Željka Cvijanović, encourage dialogue with the Trump administration, and review aspects of the Dayton Agreement and the High Representative’s role.
