Prime Minister Dodik’s statements are an obvious attempt to score cheap political points in the pre-election period. Instead of looking for solutions for the real concerns of citizens, such as creating jobs and attracting foreign investment, Dodik’s statements are clearly designed to undermine the very peace and stability that he claims he wants to uphold.
The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina is guaranteed by international law, including the Dayton Peace Agreement. Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH are integral parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina and derive their legitimacy from the Dayton Peace Agreement and the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina. By repeatedly questioning the existence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Prime Minister Dodik is harming Republika Srpska, whose interests he pretends to represent: anyone who questions the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina also questions the existence of its constituent parts, including Republika Srpska.