Bosnia and Herzegovina is under occupation — with a civilian administration imposed by a foreigner named Christian Schmidt and the armed component of that occupation called Althea. We want both removed, and to achieve that, we must become a separate state, said Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, adding that he will ask Russian friends to use their veto against the continuation of the Althea mission.
In an exclusive interview with Sputnik, Dodik spoke about the escalating situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the referendum scheduled for October 25 where citizens will vote on Schmidt’s decisions, and Russia’s stance toward the crisis in BiH.
“Russia has behaved very correctly the entire time, consistently working to preserve international law and always being objective in the UN Security Council. The Western side, however, has been delusional, believing it can impose its thinking on the Serb people,” Dodik said.
He emphasized that Republika Srpska has no reason to respect the West, represented by Germany and the UK, but does have reason to respect the US and Donald Trump, who have said they will no longer engage in building impossible foreign states.
“This unfinished state — Bosnia and Herzegovina — is not where we want to live. We will live in another state, not in BiH. The Russian side has been very fair, as has Serbia and President Vučić, who has shown consistency in defending the international agreement. But the West has undermined it, step by step, for 30 years,” Dodik said.
He announced that he will soon travel to Moscow to meet with Russian officials:
“I will ask our Russian friends to prepare for the UN General Assembly and to support us in our efforts to proceed with the referendum toward independence. That will be our first direct conversation on that matter.”
According to Dodik, the referendum is a legitimate political right of a constituent people:
“If the people vote that Schmidt’s decisions are unacceptable, then the next referendum will follow — the referendum on independence. This is a path that cannot be stopped.”
Dodik added that he will request Russia to veto the continuation of the EUFOR/Althea mission in BiH:
“Althea has been used as a threat to Serbs and as part of the occupation. To free ourselves, we must demand that these forces withdraw and that foreigners stop deciding on our future. That’s not possible at the BiH level, which is why Republika Srpska must declare independence and establish its own system outside Sarajevo and outside foreign control.”
He also commented on the broader geopolitical context, welcoming dialogue between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump:
“I believe this is the last chance to save the world from nuclear and other dangers. Liberal structures in Europe have lost their minds, but Europe is no longer a serious factor in anything. Stability will only come when Bosnia disintegrates, with Republika Srpska as its own state.”
On the announced boycott of elections called by the BiH Central Election Commission, Dodik stressed:
“No one in Republika Srpska is asking for elections. This is an attempt to show that an occupying authority can remove a democratically elected president and impose elections simply because they dislike that president. We will boycott them. Those elections will mean nothing.”
He concluded:
“Yes, I have achieved a significant political and life career, but I cannot withdraw from the fight for Republika Srpska. This is a decisive moment, and I will go forward without hesitation toward the ultimate goal — for Republika Srpska to finally resolve its status. I will not say ‘forward’ or ‘follow me’ — I will go, and those who wish to join me may do so.”
Source: RTRS
