There are no divisions in Republika Srpska; the Serb people are united and celebrate January 9, stated Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik to RTS. He emphasized, however, that Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) never fully embraced the Dayton Agreement and that opposition to commemorating this date reflects their internal divisions.
Dodik expressed regret for not attending the Republic Day celebration but said doctors advised him to avoid public gatherings due to flu season following his surgery.
On the occasion of Republika Srpska’s 33rd anniversary, Dodik highlighted that the Serb people are united in their celebration of January 9, emphasizing that historical events cannot be chosen.
“There are almost no divisions among Serbs within the political and national spectrum in Republika Srpska—both the opposition and the ruling parties commemorate January 9,” Dodik stated.
“They try to sell a narrative, but this is about history”
According to Dodik, BiH is already deeply divided, and the opposition to January 9 further highlights these divisions, stemming from their rejection of the Dayton Agreement, which established BiH as a state comprised of two entities and three constituent peoples.
“They attempt to impose a narrative about a multicultural society similar to the American model, as if everyone arrived here as slaves or migrants. They’ve embraced American multicultural values, but this has no connection to our reality. This is about history,” said Dodik.
He reminded that the Dayton Agreement explicitly states that BiH consists of Republika Srpska, as a monoethnic system of Serbs, and a bi-ethnic entity then called the Federation of Croats and Bosniaks.
“Konaković’s attempt to score political points”
Addressing the proposal by BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konaković to declare January 9 a day of mourning across the entire territory, Dodik asserted that this will not happen because Republika Srpska will have a say.
“That cannot happen, but it reveals their mindset. On one hand, they say we cannot live together and suggest we part ways through peaceful political processes, yet they threaten war. That’s their rhetoric,” Dodik stated.
He described the determination to deny January 9 as astonishing and accused Konaković of seeking to gain “Muslim political points.”
Commenting on outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden’s announcement of stricter sanctions against those violating the Dayton Agreement, Dodik argued that Biden should sanction himself for undermining the agreement.
“I am convinced that Donald Trump would act differently. If he claims that everything done under previous American administrations was wrong, then what was done here and worldwide was also wrong. If he’s dismantling their legacy in America, it logically extends to here. Based on initial contacts, we can expect a change in direction,” said Dodik.
“Nothing to the detriment of Serbia”
Dodik emphasized that he is not advocating for a violent separation of Republika Srpska but rather a peaceful political resolution.
“We are patient; we will wait for that moment. This is our sole objective. We are compelled to pursue it, suffering under constant pressure. Republika Srpska has only suffered losses from BiH,” Dodik stated.
He also affirmed that Republika Srpska will not act to the detriment of Serbia, which he described as a guarantor of peace in the Balkans, and that he expects rational support from Serbia.
“We are not devising any plans for violence because it would harm both us and Serbia. I believe President Aleksandar Vučić’s policy is entirely rational and well-positioned. It is crucial to position the state and nation to endure the changes the world will face over the next decade,” concluded Dodik.
Source: RTRS
