TALKS BASED ON THE LETTER OF DAYTON WITHOUT IMPOSITION THE ONLY WAY FORWARD

BANJA LUKA, MAY 24 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik has stated that BiH is acceptable based on the letter of the Dayton Accords with some minor modifications, not with impositions, and that this is the only way talks can take place.

“BiH based on the letter of the Dayton and some small modifications we might accept - that is possible. Another kind of BiH is not,” Dodik told the press in Banja Luka.

He emphasized that every decision imposed by Christian Schmidt must be removed from legal circulation, as that is a condition for any kind of discussion.

“I'm not avoiding talks. Republika Srpska has its representatives, they will speak on its behalf. I am constitutionally obligated to represent Republika Srpska. They can talk to Schmidt about whatever they want, but with us, they won't reach any of those foolish agreements,” Dodik stated.

Commenting on messages from Dayton, such as those by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Dodik said he was pleased to hear statements emphasizing that nothing should be imposed, even if those in the Federation of BiH may find that frustrating.

He has noted that there is now a new U.S. policy stance which acknowledges that American policy is changing and must adapt to the times.

“Our policy is not changing. I believe the only way forward is through negotiations and dialogue. We need to place everything imposed since the original Dayton on the agenda, reexamine it - not to necessarily abolish everything, but to adapt it to the future,” Dodik said.

He expressed belief that this is a possible approach, but if they don’t want that, that’s their problem.