The Russian Ambassador to Belgrade, Aleksandr Bocan-Harchenko, stated that advocating for the implementation of the Dayton Agreement is entirely legal.
- In the event of any pressure or continued attempts to strip Republika Srpska of its entity-level competencies, there will, of course, be a reaction – Bocan-Harchenko said.
He added that he does not understand why the West is creating such instability, as it poses a serious risk to both the Balkans and Europe.
Bocan-Harchenko emphasized that the West must always consider the legal foundation of the Dayton Agreement as well as the special relations between Belgrade and Banja Luka, which ensure their specific cooperation.
- There is an unbreakable, natural bond of a single people—the Serb people—living in Serbia and Republika Srpska. Serbia has a correct stance, supporting the territorial integrity of BiH while acting within the framework of the Dayton Agreement, making it impossible to criticize Serbia’s position – the Russian ambassador stated.
Strong ties between Russia, Serbia, and Republika Srpska
Bocan-Harchenko reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to supporting Serbia and Republika Srpska, stating that Russia already has and will continue to pursue joint projects, particularly in the energy sector.
- We have excellent ties with Republika Srpska, from political dialogue with Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik to economic cooperation that is facilitated by Srpska’s entity status, which provides certain opportunities – Bocan-Harchenko added.
Concerns over foreign interference in Serbia
Commenting on the current situation in Serbia, Bocan-Harchenko warned of signs of a “color revolution” or similar activities driven by foreign influence. He stressed that it is crucial for the situation to be resolved peacefully, without external interference, and condemned the exploitation of the recent tragedy in Novi Sad for political purposes as inhumane and deceitful behavior.
Kosovo* issue cannot be resolved outside the UN framework
The Russian ambassador also stated that a resolution of the Kosovo and Metohija issue is impossible without the United Nations, noting that if not for Russia’s firm and consistent position, UN Security Council Resolution 1244—which guarantees Serbia’s sovereignty, including over Kosovo—would not exist today.
- Those who support the so-called independence of Kosovo find Resolution 1244 to be their biggest obstacle, as it legally confirms and guarantees Serbia’s sovereignty over Kosovo and Metohija. Any solution regarding Kosovo must go through the UN Security Council – Bocan-Harchenko emphasized.
U.S. sanctions on Serbia’s oil industry are illegitimate
Regarding U.S. sanctions on Serbia’s oil industry (NIS), which is majority-owned by Russia, Bocan-Harchenko stated that the issue should be resolved based on a bilateral intergovernmental agreement and stressed that the U.S. sanctions are illegitimate.
Despite geopolitical challenges, Russia and Serbia maintain strong relations, particularly in energy, medicine, railways, and modernization of the Đerdap II hydroelectric plant, as well as humanitarian and cultural cooperation, Bocan-Harchenko concluded in an interview for Informer television.
Source: RTRS
