Following a session of Serbia’s National Security Council, President Aleksandar Vučić announced today that Serbia will not recognize the recent court verdict against Milorad Dodik, the President of Republika Srpska.
Vučić stated that the Council meeting focused on two main issues: the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. He emphasized that the decision not to recognize the verdict is binding for all state institutions in Serbia.
“You could see how the verdict was politically orchestrated, with parties in Sarajevo threatening protests if the ruling did not meet their expectations,” Vučić said. He added that he had discussed Serbia’s position with two world leaders, reiterating that Serbia is a sovereign state and will act accordingly.
He described the court ruling—which bans Dodik from engaging in politics for six years—as political and undemocratic, claiming it undermines the will of the people of Republika Srpska, who elected Dodik as their legitimate representative.
Vučić also accused foreign agencies, supported by internal structures, of orchestrating the ruling to weaken Dodik’s political influence.
“Their plan is to let the verdict fade from public attention, then withdraw Schmidt (the international High Representative) and claim the situation is stable without Dodik,” Vučić said.
When asked whether Serbia would arrest Dodik if an international arrest warrant were issued, Vučić firmly replied that Serbia would not comply.
“If an arrest warrant is issued while Dodik is in Serbia, he will not be arrested. All state bodies are obligated to respect the Council’s decision. Dodik is always welcome here,” Vučić concluded.
