President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik emphasized today that in every generation there comes a moment when a nation must choose—not between war and peace, but between truth and conformity—and that this is that moment.
“We are not here to destroy what Dayton has built. Our task is to protect it from those who have forgotten what Dayton is. We are not here to dismantle Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are here to remind the world what it truly is—a complex sovereign state composed of two entities and three peoples. Such a country cannot be governed by decrees; it can only be sustained through internal agreement,” Dodik said in his address at the special session of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska marking 30 years since the signing of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in BiH.
Dodik called for cooperation based on equality, parity, consensus, and constitutional order.
“From this place, I send a message not only to the citizens of Republika Srpska but to every Bosniak, every Croat, every Serb, and every citizen of this country—we are not asking for anything that is not ours. We are only asking that it not be taken from us,” he emphasized.
The president stated that Republika Srpska is ready to build a future in which all peoples progress, where all resources—including critical minerals—are used for the development of the entire country, and not for enriching individuals; a future where no one is silenced or prosecuted for defending the agreement we all signed.
“Let us listen to one another. Let us talk—openly, without external pressure. And let us begin now. Let us start a structured and well-intentioned dialogue among all the signatories of the Dayton Agreement, with the aim of returning to the original text, intent, and structure of the peace agreement,” Dodik emphasized.
He stated that any potential amendment to this agreement must be considered and agreed upon solely through the constitutional mechanisms provided by the Dayton Agreement.
Dodik stressed that this is not a call to dismantle BiH, but a call to return to constitutional foundations.
“To build upon it only to the extent that there is consensus. This is a call to acknowledge that peace cannot be maintained through pressure, punishment, or decrees, but only through mutual respect and agreement,” Dodik said.
He told the citizens of Republika Srpska: “This is our moment.”
“Not to go into battle, but to stand tall. Not to complain, but to take the initiative. Not to worsen the situation, but to begin a conversation about Dayton. Insisting on Dayton is not abandoning peace—it is entering the next chapter,” he said.
In light of the Dayton anniversary, Dodik addressed the world, especially the United States: “We are not your problem.”
“We are your partner. We are not asking you to solve our political issues. We only ask that you remember the agreement you authored—and help us return to it. We are ready to contribute to your strategic goals, such as minerals, stability, and traditional diplomacy. All we ask in return is that you adhere to the very same principles that made Dayton possible—consensus, constitutionality, and sovereignty,” emphasized the president of Srpska.
Dodik addressed friends in Europe, especially those who remember the hard lessons of history, acknowledging that Europe is not monolithic.
“We know there are those in Europe who understand that stability does not come from silencing elected leaders, but from strengthening institutions, building mutual respect, and supporting dialogue instead of diktats in BiH. We know that some of the strongest advocates of sovereignty and reform today come precisely from Europe—leaders who know what it means to defend their state, while also working together to preserve peace. To those leaders and to all European partners who want a future based on equality, law, and mutual respect—our doors are open,” he said.
He called for joint work, respect, and implementation of the Dayton Agreement
Source: RTRS
