Republika Srpska has never had, nor does it have, a plan for secession but instead has a plan to defend its autonomy, stated the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik.
Dodik pointed out that some refer to this path as secession, even though the message from Srpska is that if Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) cannot function, a peaceful dissolution should be considered.
He explained that if BiH proves to be an unviable country, the only solution would be a peaceful separation, allowing the entities to live as good neighbors.
“What is secession here? In terms of international law, secession is the violent separation of territory without the consent of others. I aim for peaceful dissolution to also be the will of others,” Dodik told Glas Srpske, commenting on recent criticisms following his statement that “secession is not the policy of Republika Srpska,” which some linked to the recent visit of the CIA director.
He reiterated that peaceful separation is the best option.
Dodik emphasized that everything in BiH is divided and that, despite media spins, attempts, and persuasion, it is impossible to create anything unified.
“Creating that unity is impossible. The entity boundary that has been established is a definitive border. One day, it will simply be officially recognized,” Dodik said.
When asked what he expects from the new U.S. envoy for the Western Balkans, Alexander Kasanof, Dodik responded that if Kasanof focuses on resolving BiH’s internal issues through internal dialogue, he will be acceptable, but if he imposes his views, he will have to do that on his own.
Referring to Kasanof’s meeting with Christian Schmidt, where he supported the use of the Bonn Powers, Dodik said that this is an old stance of the U.S. and that he believes they understand that any use of these powers to disqualify individuals would be counterproductive.
Source: RTRS
