The High Representative Carlos Westendorp during his visit to Banja Luka has had
discussions about the political situation in the Republika Srpska with political leaders
of the SLOGA coalition.
The High Representative told a press briefing at OHR regional headquarters in Banja
Luka today that as regards the political situation the standpoint of the international
community hasn’t changed.
The High Representative said he and the international community maintain their
support for the legal and fully operative government of Prime Minister Milorad
Dodik. Dodik enjoys the full support both of the SLOGA coalition and a majority in
the National Assembly.
Petar Djokic is speaker ofparliament and has the full support of the international
community in this capacity. Mr Djokic was not consulted by president Poplasen
before being nominated as candidate for Prime Minister.
President Poplasen is clearly not acting as a president ofhis people, but as a member
of the radical party. The president is not behaving in the interest of the people of
Republika Srpska. By refusing to nominate a candidate who has support by a majority
in parliament he shows little or no respect for his constitutional duties.