President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik emphasized that Srpska is grateful to Serbia for its open support, speaking at a press conference following the panel “Growth Plan – A Conversation with Leaders” held during the Jahorina Economic Forum.
“Once again, we hear that Serbia stands behind the Dayton Peace Agreement and respects BiH as outlined in Dayton, but also equally respects Republika Srpska within that agreement. Serbia has raised its voice against the dismantling of the principles enshrined in Dayton,” Dodik stated.
He underlined that abuse by the illegitimate High Representative, as well as certain courts and prosecutors, has led to a constitutional crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“We want to move out of this constitutional crisis. Republika Srpska demands respect for our rights—guaranteed by an international treaty,” said Dodik.
Dodik noted that the Jahorina Economic Forum is achieving its goals, as evidenced by the fact that institutions of Republika Srpska have taken up and addressed the forum’s previous recommendations and objectives.
“The institutions of Republika Srpska have worked diligently, and all of that has been put on our agenda,” he added, stressing that the forum’s goals and recommendations are realistic and well-balanced.
“ABUSE HAS CAUSED THE CRISIS, AND SRPSKA IS RIGHT TO RAISE ITS VOICE”
Dodik further stated that the abuses committed by Christian Schmidt—whom Srpska considers illegitimate—along with judicial overreach, have created a serious constitutional crisis.
“We in Republika Srpska are not some rebellious group. We simply demand respect for rights that are guaranteed by international treaty law,” he said.
He reminded that Republika Srpska is a signatory party to Annex IV of the BiH Constitution, which stipulates that many changes in the state can only occur through agreement between the two entities.
“Out of all the powers that have been taken from Republika Srpska, only one—regarding the Armed Forces of BiH—was agreed upon,” Dodik pointed out.
He added that while the current international climate around Srpska is somewhat calmer, internal relations within BiH remain highly dynamic.
“Republika Srpska is politically unwavering in its demand that the international agreement be respected as it was written. Those of us who demand respect for Dayton are portrayed as the bad guys, while those who dismantle it are framed as the good ones,” said Dodik.
He reiterated that Srpska opposes a unitary and centralized BiH, asserting that everything done so far has moved in that direction.
ECONOMIC STABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT
Speaking about economic matters, Dodik highlighted that statistical data clearly show Srpska’s progress:
“We have a growth rate of 2.9%, second only to Serbia. Srpska attracted 2.8 billion KM in investments. We increased the gross domestic product from 16 to 18 billion KM, and we aim to reach 20 billion soon—and 30 billion KM by 2030.”
He added that the average salary in Republika Srpska, prior to the most recent increase, is €740.
“We consider that a major success given the circumstances in which we operate. Srpska is solvent and has the lowest budget deficit in the region,” Dodik said.
He listed a series of achievements, including the construction of hospitals, roads, and power plants:
“We’ve built a significant number of energy facilities. We’re constructing new hydro and thermal power plants. The Bistrica project is proceeding on schedule, and we plan to build Buk Bijela together with Serbia.”
Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut added that organizing a joint session of the Serbian and Srpska governments is crucial for both peoples and that it is important to continue following the declaration from last year’s All-Serb Assembly.
Source: RTRS
