President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik stated in an interview with the Austrian newspaper Die Presse that Republika Srpska has no secessionist plans, but merely expresses its dissatisfaction with Bosnia and Herzegovina — a country that, he claims, is equally unsatisfactory to Serbs, Croats, and Muslims.
“And as far as I can see, it seems even the EU is dissatisfied,” Dodik added.
The president of Republika Srpska noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a burden for the Serbs.
“It’s a burden we don’t like. We’re here because we have to be. That’s not our stance, it’s the surreal reality of BiH,” Dodik emphasized.
Commenting on the decisions by Germany and Austria to ban him from entering their countries, Dodik said that unlike certain German and Austrian politicians who interfere in BiH, he does not interfere in their internal affairs.
“But I think those countries are the ones losing out the most by my absence, considering I mobilize many of our people living there. I tell them to be grateful to the countries they live and work in, but not to forget their homeland,” Dodik said.
He stressed that he respects the Austrian state, its achievements, and its values — but that he can clearly distinguish between the Austrian people and certain politicians.
“I am grateful that our people can work there, but with the awareness that sometimes they have idiots for ministers,” said Dodik.
Referring to Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Dodik criticized her visit to Sarajevo shortly after taking office.
“When a minister who has only been in office for a few days travels to Sarajevo and succumbs to the back-patting atmosphere there, it shows that even Austria has questionable ministers,” Dodik stated.
“What kind of behavior is it to allow Muslims to whisper negative things about the ‘monster Dodik’ to you over dinner, and then base a political statement on that?” he asked.
Dodik concluded by saying that he respects the Austrian chancellor, but also has the right not to respect ministers who do not respect him.
Source: RTRS
