In an interview with media on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan, President of the Republic of Srpska Milorad Dodik spoke about pressure from the West due to his visit to Russia, threat to his life, and promised that under his rule sanctions or a visa regime would never be introduced against the Russian Federation.
— Please tell me, did you feel pressure from the West because you decided to take part in the meeting in Kazan?
— It is a great honor for me to be in Kazan these days. The presence at such a global event as the 16th BRICS summit in Russia, the goal of which is first and foremost the fight for peace, became possible thanks to the efforts of the Russian side. This is a fight for people, states, and nations based on respect for the sovereignty of each and without interference in each other’s internal affairs.
As for us, of course, we are in a specific location, in the Balkans, where Western forces, one might say, “reserved” this place in order to exert influence on us.
And of course, because of this situation, we feel pressure from Western countries and USA, who want us to listen to them, and not act as partners. And this applies not only to us but to the entire Balkans.
The West has long since stopped threatening me because they know my position. Of course, they have imposed many sanctions and done everything to make my life difficult. But I cannot give up my political principles. I consider myself a democratically elected president of the Republic of Srpska. And I must represent the Serbian people who elected me, and not submit to some Western governments.
— There are about two weeks left until the presidential elections in the United States. How do you think their results could affect security in Europe and the Balkans in particular?
– The US still has a strong influence not only on the Balkan region, on the EU countries but also on the whole world. There is no doubt about it. Although they are not as strong as they were 15 years ago. At the same time, we see that the USA is taking several measures against those who do not listen to what they ask for.
There is not only the concept of two sides fighting: Democrats and Republicans. There is also the Trump version, who plans to make America “great again.”
The results of the 2024 US elections are shocking not only to the country itself but to the whole world. Everyone is waiting for what will happen after them.
— It is no secret that the West, led by the United States, often interferes in the affairs of countries that it considers inconvenient or disadvantageous for itself. Do you think that some kind of color revolution is possible in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
– Of course, they are constantly trying to do this. As for the Republic of Srpska, such attempts have been made several times, and none of them have succeeded. Of course, like all events of this kind, they are aimed at removing a democratically elected leader from his position and bringing chaos to society. At the same time, our society in the Republic of Srpska does not want chaos, and I think that it has already recognized these attempts, which lead to the will of the people not being respected. I believe that in the Republic of Srpska, there is simply no chance of such a revolution. And as for the second part, Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is no such need, since they are already listening to America and the West.
— Not long ago, a source reported that Milorad Dodik fears for his life due to numerous threats. Is this still the case and do you have an understanding of where these threats are coming from?
– I have received several warnings of this kind, and, of course, we cannot close our eyes to the fact that some British special forces units have been stationed in Sarajevo and no one is talking openly about their tasks.
— I would also like to ask you about bilateral cooperation. Please tell me whether direct flights from Russia to Banja Luka are currently being discussed.
– Of course, this is an old idea, but given all the current world events, there are certain difficulties in implementing it. It should also be taken into account that Bosnia and Herzegovina is under [external] control in the presence of forces provided by the European Union. So, there are difficulties, but we are not abandoning this idea.
— Also, one of the obstacles to cooperation with Russia remains the mechanism of mutual settlements. Are there any discussions on how to launch settlements between the countries? Maybe the “Mir” system in the Republic of Srpska or some alternative platforms?
— Of course, Russia is a large country that can afford to provide its financial system and payment system, like the Mir system, to be self-sufficient. We are surrounded by NATO and surrounded by nations with whom we have historically had many problems. The fact that eight out of nine banks that we have are foreign is indicative, so at the moment, it is difficult to implement such an idea. Of course, we will use any opportunity to find another alternative, but at the moment it is hardly feasible. The West has established a system of correspondent banks in our country, so all cash flows that go to Bosnia and Herzegovina or from Bosnia and Herzegovina at some point pass through Western banks, like Deutsche Bank or some others. This is a kind of occupation. This is also a message that it depends on their will how we financially communicate with the whole world. This creates a big problem for our functioning. If any question or dispute arises, we ask. And who should we ask, who should we complain to? For example, the West blocked 390 billion from Russia, which is, of course, a large sum for Russia, and significant for us.
— At a recent meeting of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, DG NEAR Director General Gert Jan Koopman said that countries should bring their visa policies into line with EU policy. Could this force Bosnia and Herzegovina to introduce a visa regime with Russia and what would be the reaction in Republika Srpska to such a decision?
— Bosnia and Herzegovina, like the Republic of Srpska, is not a member of the European Union, but they still demand obedience from us in the application of all their decisions. They expected this, including on the issue of sanctions with the introduction of each new package. At the same time, Bosnia and Herzegovina, thanks to the decision and position of the Republic of Srpska, did not implement any of them.
At the same time, the West is talking about some kind of “corrupting” influence of Russia in the Balkans, and those countries, NATO countries, are talking about it, which dropped bombs with depleted uranium on us, which led to a huge number of oncological diseases in our territories. And now they are talking about the influence of someone else.
Along with Serbia, the Republic of Srpska and, accordingly, Bosnia and Herzegovina did not impose sanctions, despite the fact that the Bosniaks were ready to do so at once. Therefore, no other decisions will be made either.
We have been asked quite clearly and officially to impose sanctions not only against Russia but also against China, Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. At the same time, not a single government body has made, will make, or give permission for such a decision. Cooperation with people is the most important thing that remains for us in a situation where other possibilities are politically closed.
As for the visa regime, the free visa regime between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Russia – there have never been any problems from the visa-free regime, and no one has violated anything. Accordingly, I do not see any reason for its introduction. Moreover, the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina will not introduce a visa regime with Russia as long as Milorad Dodik is in power.
