Dodik called for union of Republika Srpska, Serbia

I see the future in the union of Serbia and Republika Srpska, said Milorad Dodik, leader of Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina entity

Dodik made that statement on Friday, March 24th, in Sombor, where Serbia's officials are marking the anniversary of NATO intervention.

The bombing of the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1999 began because of crimes committed by Serbian forces against the Albanian population in Kosovo.

In the official address, Dodik reiterated threats to the secession of Republika Srpska(RS).

Now they want to steal the property, and I tell you, while you try to steal our property, you've called a session of the Republika Srpska Assembly, where we will make a decision on the independence of Republika Srpska. Enough of your false promises, I won't look at you and I won't stand you”, Dodik said.

His message comes a day after the Republika Srpska government's decision (RS) to end co-operation with the United States of America (SHBA) and Great Britain and the publication of a bill obliging non-governmental organisations to report all transactions financed from abroad.

The decision was made at the government's session of this entity on Thursday, March 23rd, in Banja Luka.

They only want one thing, for Serbs to leave. Long live the idea of uniting the Serbian people. And we want to unite. We will do it peacefully”, Dodik said.

In a row of controversial decisions, the RS Assembly also adopted a bill, with which slander is criminally condemned, with fines of up to 60,000 euros.

Between diplomatic relations and targeting nongovernmental organisations, the US Embassy in Sarajevo has reacted, among the first, which said reports by Republika Srpska's chairman are “and another step on the dangerous path he chose the path of isolation and authoritarian rule”.

The European Union also reacted to changes in Republika Srpska's Penal Code, which restores criminal penalties for slander. Expressing regret, she reportedly called for the amendment to withdraw.

Despite numerous calls from the international community, that it is about laws that are not European values, Dodik did not give up his goal of adopting them.

The leader of the Republika Srpska is currently on the list of persons sanctioned by the United States and Great Britain for corruption and violation of the legitimacy and functionality of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina.