The Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, Radovan Višković, stated in the TV show “Telering” that at the time of signing the Dayton Peace Agreement, its creators made promises they could not fulfill.
“They thought Dayton would be a temporary solution and that Srpska wouldn’t survive 30 years,” Višković said, emphasizing that if certain patterns continue into the next year, a challenging period lies ahead, especially regarding the European integration process.
“Sarajevo still dreams of achieving the wartime goals from the 1990s, aiming to create a unitary Bosnia and Herzegovina where Bosniaks would be the dominant majority,” said Višković.
For this reason, he noted, there is a push for Bosnia and Herzegovina to be a civic state based on the principle of ‘one person – one vote.’
“Neither the Serb nor the Croat people can accept a situation where one nation dominates the others and dictates their lives. We have a constitution that should be equal for everyone living in this community. Those who don’t like it are free to move elsewhere,” the prime minister added.
He cited the example of the marginalization of Croats in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Now the goal is to do the same to the Serb people and turn both into national minorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Every majority population, whether in Srpska or the Federation, must show more understanding toward others,” Višković emphasized.
Višković expressed pride in Republika Srpska for almost fully implementing the Dayton Agreement regarding property returns.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Republika Srpska, has committed to the European path, which will involve demands affecting constitutional arrangements and the transfer of competencies, particularly regarding Srpska and its institutions. However, Srpska has coordination mechanisms to defend itself. The only solution for Bosnia and Herzegovina is for Srpska to make certain concessions,” Višković stated.
He warned that if these patterns continue next year, it will be a difficult period.
“It will be challenging, but not in terms of security threats or conflicts. People shouldn’t be scared of that—it definitely won’t happen. I’m confident there’s enough common sense in this troubled country to prevent anyone from playing with such dangerous ideas,” Višković said.
He emphasized that some members of the international community, who falsely present themselves as friends, do not genuinely care about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s stability but instead use it as a bargaining chip.
“Nevertheless, I believe that local wisdom will prevail, and the elected representatives, who are accountable solely to their people, will find the strength to start negotiations. We know best who we are and where we are. We’ve lived here for centuries,” Višković stated.
The prime minister also pointed out that many historical documents show that people who today belong to different nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina were once part of the same group.
“Some changed their faith at certain moments in history to save themselves and their families and to survive in turbulent times,” Višković concluded.
Source: RTRS
