U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has once again addressed the situation in BiH, this time with a more moderate tone, without making radical statements or accusations against Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik. Instead, he sent a message of reassurance, emphasizing that the United States does not support divisions in BiH.
With great attention, Republika Srpska is monitoring the signals coming from Washington, hoping that the new administration will take a more realistic approach to the situation in BiH. President Dodik has stressed that Srpska and the U.S. share the same position on the need to maintain peace and stability in BiH, without conflicts or divisions.
- BiH can only be preserved through continuous respect for the voices of all three constituent peoples and by acknowledging the positions of Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH, not through foreign pressure – Dodik stated.
Dodik also expressed expectations from the new U.S. administration, led by President Donald Trump, to correct the harmful consequences of Biden’s policies, which, as he claims, fueled divisions, conflicts, and crises wherever they operated.
- I firmly believe that the process of state-building and maintaining non-functional entities is a relic of Biden’s failed foreign policy, which President Trump will put an end to – Dodik added.
Donald Trump Jr.’s surprise visit to Serbia
As an indication of Trump’s determination to dismantle Biden-era policies, one of the most striking moves was the shutting down of USAID, which had spent vast sums on questionable projects in both BiH and Serbia.
In a surprise visit to Belgrade, U.S. President’s son Donald Trump Jr. met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. While the details of the discussions remain undisclosed, the meeting focused on key global political and economic issues, undoubtedly including the situation in the Western Balkans. Trump Jr. is expected to brief European leaders on these topics in the coming days.
President Vučić expressed concerns that the EU unfairly blames Republika Srpska for everything, using it as an example to project power.
- I fear that once again, the Serb people will be made a scapegoat for Europe’s political maneuvers – Vučić stated.
European institutions increasingly supporting Srpska
In Brussels, attitudes towards Republika Srpska appear to be shifting, particularly in light of global tensions, foreign-backed protests, and electoral interference. French MEP Thierry Mariani has publicly supported the democratically elected representatives of Republika Srpska, Serbia, Georgia, and Romania, arguing that Dodik’s prosecution is politically motivated.
- President Milorad Dodik was convicted simply for saying NO to Christian Schmidt. In Romania, opposition candidates are being banned under fabricated accusations. The EU and its allies are trampling on national sovereignty to impose their own agenda. This is a parody of justice – Mariani stated.
Croatian MEP Željana Zovko has also taken a firm stance, arguing that the OHR should be closed and electoral reform should become the top priority.
- Thirty years after Dayton, we still have a High Representative earning €26,000 per month to keep BiH in chaos. We must focus on real problems, starting with electoral reform, and finally close the OHR – Zovko stated.
For years, Srpska’s representatives have been advocating the same position—no conflicts, no disintegration of BiH, only strict adherence to the Dayton Agreement and the BiH Constitution. Radovan Kovačević emphasized that a clearer picture of U.S. policy towards BiH will emerge once Washington appoints a new ambassador.
- We expect the U.S. to send a competent and credible diplomat from the Trump administration, one willing to assess the situation objectively and listen to arguments from all sides in BiH – Kovačević noted.
Sarajevo calls for foreign intervention
While Republika Srpska continues to advocate dialogue, political Sarajevo is calling for an increased foreign military presence in BiH. Amid these tensions, European lawmakers will hold another debate on BiH tomorrow, where further discussions on the country’s political future are expected.
source: RTRS
