Russia insists on the consistent implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement because it represents the foundation of BiH’s existence, Russian Ambassador to Serbia Aleksandr Botsan-Kharchenko said in an interview with RTRS. He also praised Serbia’s development across various sectors and emphasized Moscow’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with Serbia and Republika Srpska.
Speaking on the RTRS political program Pečat, Botsan-Kharchenko criticized the role of the Peace Implementation Council and the High Representatives in BiH.
According to the ambassador, Western countries have transformed these institutions into mechanisms for imposing decisions on the peoples of BiH, an approach he said Russia has never accepted.
He emphasized that Moscow considers the concept of an international protectorate, represented by the Office of the High Representative (OHR), to be outdated.
Russia supports stronger relations with Republika Srpska and BiH
Botsan-Kharchenko stressed that the Russian Federation remains committed to the comprehensive development of bilateral relations with Republika Srpska and BiH.
He highlighted the relationship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Milorad Dodik as an important element of cooperation.
“We are very satisfied with the relationship between President Vladimir Putin and Milorad Dodik. It is a friendly relationship and a dialogue that produces results in every respect, both in terms of regional stability and bilateral relations in the broader sense,” Botsan-Kharchenko said.
The ambassador reiterated that Russia views the Dayton Peace Agreement as the essential framework for BiH and believes its provisions must be consistently respected.
Moscow says it will respect the choice of Serbian voters
Commenting on elections in Serbia, Botsan-Kharchenko emphasized that Russia would respect the democratic choice of the Serbian people.
He explained that Moscow’s primary interest is the continued stability and development of Serbia, rather than support for particular political figures.
“Our desire and interest, for several reasons, including our very friendly and cordial attitude toward Serbia and the Serb people, as well as our bilateral cooperation, is to see stability further strengthened and development continue along the previously established course,” he said.
The ambassador stressed that his assessment was based on Serbia’s development rather than personal preferences regarding political leaders.
“I am not saying this because we like certain people who have been in power or dislike those who have not. That is not a consideration at all. Above all, I base my conclusions on concrete development results,” Botsan-Kharchenko explained.
Ambassador praises Serbia’s development and ties with Russia
Botsan-Kharchenko said that Serbia’s progress was evident across various sectors.
He also praised the Serbian leadership for maintaining political dialogue and economic cooperation with Russia despite pressure from European institutions.
“Serbia opposes sanctions, and that is a very serious, firm and difficult position. We understand how challenging it is because of pressure from Brussels and representatives of European Union countries,” he said.
According to the ambassador, Serbia’s decision to maintain its position has enabled the preservation and further development of bilateral relations.
“Nevertheless, they have endured, which has made it possible to develop and preserve our bilateral relations and friendship,” Botsan-Kharchenko added.
Botsan-Kharchenko warns of deepening crisis in Europe
Addressing the broader political situation in Europe, the Russian ambassador said Moscow was closely following developments but did not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.
He expressed concern about the political and economic challenges facing European states.
“There is a crisis in Europe, and it is on the verge of chaos,” Botsan-Kharchenko stated.
The ambassador reiterated Russia’s interest in maintaining stability, preserving established bilateral partnerships and strengthening cooperation with Serbia and Republika Srpska.
Source: RTRS
