Deputy Chair of the Council of Ministers Staša Košarac stated today that the malign influence of the outgoing U.S. Ambassador Michael Murphy is evident through his interference in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s internal affairs and his alignment against the institutions of Republika Srpska.
Košarac emphasized that Murphy spreads falsehoods and accusations to exert a malign influence on Republika Srpska.
“I believe it is clear to all well-intentioned people who seek to foster good relations in BiH that Murphy’s actions are contrary to the interests of BiH. His malign influence and interference in BiH’s internal affairs are visible, as is his alignment with those opposing the institutions of Republika Srpska,” said Košarac, who also serves as the Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations.
According to Košarac, Murphy’s statements and interviews are full of untruths. “Raising the issue of the Dayton Peace Agreement can only highlight the steadfast policies of Republika Srpska, its leadership, and President Milorad Dodik, who advocate for its strict implementation,” Košarac said.
He emphasized that Republika Srpska has the right to point out violations of the Dayton Agreement, unlike Murphy, who knowingly sides with those undermining the agreement while publicly claiming to be its guardian.
Košarac accused Murphy of overstepping his diplomatic boundaries and attempting to position himself as the primary authority in BiH.
“Republika Srpska and its leadership, including President Dodik, have made it clear that they will define their policies within the framework of Republika Srpska’s institutions, in line with the Dayton Agreement, rather than adhering to the agendas set by ambassadors like Murphy,” Košarac stressed.
He warned that Murphy’s interference in BiH’s and Republika Srpska’s internal affairs, particularly through what he described as a politically motivated process against Dodik, will not be forgotten.
“Dodik is not a student of Murphy but the President of Republika Srpska, elected by the will of the people, who acts in accordance with the Constitution and laws. What Murphy attempts in the Federation of BiH would never be acceptable in Republika Srpska,” Košarac added.
He also criticized Murphy’s political interventions with the Federation’s government and his video address to the Federation Parliament, calling it a “defeat for the Federation of BiH.”
“I can’t believe that colleagues in the neighboring entity cannot make sovereign decisions. Why do they need foreign intervention? Why does Murphy support the illegitimate [Christian] Schmidt, who opposes internal agreements in BiH?” Košarac questioned.
According to him, Murphy and Schmidt aim to position themselves as supreme authorities in BiH, but Republika Srpska will never recognize or accept them in such a role.
“Neither the citizens of Republika Srpska nor Dodik nor other responsible politicians will acknowledge such interference, except for certain opposition members with poor credibility and election results who seek proximity to Murphy and Schmidt,” Košarac concluded.
He reiterated that the arsenal of tools used by certain international actors against Republika Srpska includes the politically motivated case against Dodik, attacks on Republika Srpska’s property, and the role of the Constitutional Court of BiH, which he described as a lever for the Bosniak political structure and foreign actors.
Source: RTRS
