Russian Ambassador to Belgrade, Alexander Bocan-Kharchenko, stated that Republika Srpska is very important to Moscow and that Russian President Vladimir Putin always keeps the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina within his scope of priority attention.
He emphasized that Russia views Republika Srpska as a friend and will do everything to support it, as well as Serbia, because the friendly Serb people live there.
Bocan-Kharchenko recalled the recent statement by Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik in St. Petersburg, where he said that Russia is a consistent partner in understanding international law and fully comprehends the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He noted that Putin, who has held multiple meetings with Dodik, is well aware of this.
“There is a clear understanding that the crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina will not escalate into a more serious phase, but there are risks from certain global phenomena and consequences, because, as everyone knows, Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to both Islam and Orthodoxy, which makes the situation very complex,” said Bocan-Kharchenko.
He stated that Republika Srpska is being pressured to relinquish the competencies it holds under the Dayton Agreement, pointing out that Srpska only accepted the agreement under the condition that it exists as an entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Speaking about relations with Serbia, Bocan-Kharchenko said that Russia greatly appreciates the fact that Serbia and its president, Aleksandar Vučić, uphold a consistent stance and refuse to impose any sanctions on Russia, despite the pressures.
“I have witnessed real pressure and even threats from Brussels. But Serbia stands firm. There is cooperation between Serbia and Russia even under the Western sanctions against Russia,” Bocan-Kharchenko told TV Prva.
He noted that Serbia is surrounded by EU countries that enforce sanctions against Russia, but that there is no indication of reduced economic cooperation between Serbia and Russia, despite the challenges.
Bocan-Kharchenko believes that the postponement of U.S. sanctions on NIS is not an ideal solution for Serbia’s energy and financial sector, but it is preferable to actual sanctions.
“We are working together to remove NIS from the package of sanctions imposed by the previous administration, which did not take into account the enormous economic damage to Serbia. Still, NIS continues to operate under those conditions and remains profitable,” said Bocan-Kharchenko.
He added that Russia and Serbia will continue to cooperate on gas-related matters in their mutual interest.
Source: RTRS
