MOSCOW CONGRATULATES KARAN, SIGNALS CONTINUED STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

SARAJEVO, NOVEMBER 25 /SRNA/ — The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Moscow welcomes the fact that, in the early election for the President of Republika Srpska, citizens once again firmly supported the patriotic policy of SNSD leader Milorad Dodik, noting that Russia shares the commitment to further strengthening its strategic partnership with Srpska.

The Ministry emphasized that Russia shares the commitment of the Republika Srpska leadership, especially newly elected President Siniša Karan, to advancing the relationship of strategic partnership.

"The Russian side is convinced that such a course fully serves the interests of the peoples of the Russian Federation and Republika Srpska," the statement said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs forwarded the statement to the media through the Embassy of Russia in BiH.

The statement also expressed satisfaction that the early election for President of Republika Srpska was conducted in a peaceful and democratic atmosphere, and that citizens of Srpska did not allow their will to be distorted.

The Ministry noted that this was achieved despite efforts to destabilize the political situation in Republika Srpska, inspired from abroad, through the blatant misuse of judicial and electoral institutions in BiH and the unlawful removal of Dodik, the leader of Serbs in BiH, from power.