German Minister: Dodik isolated and dangerous no possibility for union with Serbia

During an official visit in early April to Bosnia and Herzegovina's autonomous Serb entity, Republika Srpska, Anna Luhrmann, State Minister for Europe to the German Foreign Ministry, faced serious threats from nationalist President Milorad Dodik.

Initially, the right to return to the territory of Republika Srpska was banned informally, then threatened that security could not be guaranteed, and in the end, authorities threatened with force if it did not leave immediately.

We were told we had to leave immediately, otherwise violence” would be used, Luhrmann said in an interview conducted for Deutsche Welle. The visit was part of a diplomatic tour to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's membership in the European Union.

Signal for Brussels and Berlin

Luhrmann named the incident as an attack on European values: dealing thus with a representative of a partner country like Germany is a sign of weakness”, she said. He added that he had received many solidarity messages, including from Banja Luka citizens, who had distanced themselves from Dodik's actions. “This is not the true Bosnia”, some had written it.

Dodik isolated and provocative

According to Luhrmann, Dodik is blocking reform and leading the country towards isolation. There is an arrest warrant against him by Bosnian authorities, due to their refusal to appear in hearings on his actions to divide territory and amend the constitution. We expect local authorities to act. EUFOR is not responsible for this under its mandate”, the minister said.

No option for joining Serbia

Luhrmann has flatly ruled out the possibility of Republika Srpska joining Serbia: “would be in conflict with the Dayton Agreement, the constitution and the will of most citizens. Even in his parliament there is no majority for these” plans.

Germany backs road to EU

The minister underlined that Germany is Bosnia and Herzegovina's powerful supporter: “E we have helped the country obtain EU candidate status. We have prepared a large financial package under the growth plan for the Western Balkans”. But, she stressed, blocks from Dodik prevent the country from moving forward.

Back to Banjaluka? Yes!

Asked whether he would return to Republika Srpska, despite having been declared persona non grata by Dodik, Luhrmann replied: “He has no right to determine who enters Bosnia and Herzegovina. I want to go back, meet people, listen and show that Germany is at their side” / DW/Periscopi/