Diplomat Zoran Milivojević said that Donald Trump Jr.’s visit to Banja Luka sends two important messages—one reflecting the new U.S. administration’s support for Republika Srpska, and the other indicating an understanding of the Serb community in the region.
“The first message is political and symbolic, indicating that Banja Luka has the support of this administration. It is the result of political and diplomatic engagement by Banja Luka over the past six to twelve months toward the new administration in Washington. This includes the activities of Milorad Dodik as the leader of the ruling party, Željka Cvijanović, and others who have recently visited Washington more frequently,” Milivojević said.
He added that there has been a shift in the U.S. administration’s approach toward Banja Luka, which, he noted, is reflected in the removal of sanctions against Dodik, members of his family, and officials of Republika Srpska.
“The second message is directed toward Sarajevo and the broader region, indicating that the administration in Washington understands the position of Republika Srpska and has an interest in preserving it. They recognize the importance of the Serb factor in this region and appear to take it into account in both their current and future policies,” Milivojević said.
Source: RTRS
