FRIEDMAN INSTITUTE: DODIK'S ARREST MUST BE IMMEDIATELY REVOKED, ROME AND WASHINGTON SHOULD MEDIATE IN DIALOGUE BETWEEN PARTIES IN BiH

ROME, APRIL 24 /SRNA/ - The arrest of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik must be immediately revoked, said the Friedman Institute, suggesting that Italy and the USA mediate in an open dialogue between all parties in BiH.

The Friedman Institute expresses deep concern about the escalation of the political crisis in BiH, which threatens to destabilize not only the country but the entire Balkan region, with serious consequences for peace in Europe, reports the Italian news agency ASI.

The article titled "Escalation in Bosnia, Friedman Institute: Dodik's Arrest Must Be Immediately Revoked, and Rome and Washington Must Mediate" highlights that last night's incident, when members of the unconstitutional State Investigation and Protection Agency /SIPA/ of BiH "attempted to arrest the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik," points to a concrete risk of escalating tensions that could lead to a new civil conflict.

"The arrest warrant issued by the Sarajevo court against Dodik, accused of undermining the constitutional order, constitutes an action that, far from improving stability, exacerbates existing tensions by suppressing dialogue.

This initiative, seen as a direct attack on the autonomy of Republika Srpska, can only foster a climate of conflict and distrust among the country’s different ethnic groups.

Evidence of this is Interpol's refusal to issue an international arrest warrant, as the conviction would not meet the conditions set out in the organization's statute," emphasizes a press release from the Friedman Institute.

They also noted that "Sarajevo's decision to proceed along this path, ignoring the deep political and cultural divisions, appears to be a provocation that risks pushing Bosnia to a point of no return."

"We believe that, instead of mediating and promoting dialogue, the international community is contributing to the deterioration of the climate by taking partial sides with one or the other, without considering the legitimate concerns of all parties involved," the press release from the Friedman Institute emphasizes.

The Friedman Institute urgently calls for the respect of the Dayton Agreement, which has been the cornerstone of peace in BiH since 1995, ensuring the delicate balance between the entities that make up the country.

"We demand the immediate revocation of the arrest warrant for Milorad Dodik, an act which risks inciting violence and irreparably jeopardizing dialogue and stability in the region. History teaches us that such forceful actions do not lead to lasting solutions, but to further divisions and conflicts. Additionally, we express concern over the Islamist tendencies pointed out by analysts in the country and the rise of radical groups," said the Institute.

They suggest that Italy, with its tradition of diplomatic mediation and historical role in the Balkans, promote an inclusive dialogue between all parties involved.

"Also, we call on the new American administration, led by Donald Trump, who has expressed concern for international stability, to actively engage in promoting negotiations that will put an end to this spiral of tensions. Only through open dialogue based on respect, which takes into account the aspirations and fears of all communities, will it be possible to preserve peace and build a future of coexistence," said the Friedman Institute.

The press release notes that the Friedman Institute is dedicated to closely monitoring the development of the situation and supporting any initiative aimed at preserving peace and promoting reconciliation in BiH.

They say that the international community has a duty to act responsibly before it is too late.