BLAGOJEVICH: AWARD PRESENTED TO DODIK - MAJOR STEP FORWARD

ELGIN, MAY 1 /SRNA/ – The Fight for Democracy Award from Judson University, presented to President Milorad Dodik, represents a major step forward for Serb-American relations and will attract the attention of the entire US administration, said Rod Blagojevich, a close associate of US President Donald Trump.

Blagojevich stated that last night the award recognizing leadership, was presented to Dodik by a Christian college in the heart of the United States, which is significant breakthrough that will draw the attention of members of Congress and President Trump himself.

He noted that there are not many laureates of this award, which Dodik received for demonstrated courage and dedication to the fight for Serbs' rights.

"Everything about Dodik revolves around the Serb people and their right to govern themselves, to freely practice their Orthodox faith, the right to speak freely, and to express what they believe to be the truth," Blagojevich said.

He added that Dodik is a hero to many people.

"He is a hero here at this small Christian college. He is a hero to many people. The challenge for the USA is to show people where Republika Srpska is and to understand some of the dynamics and developments taking place there. That is a lot of work we are doing, thus this is a major step forward in achieving that goal," Blagojevich emphasized.

Blagojevich said the award given to Dodik is prestigious because it is not frequently awarded.

"President George W. Bush received this award, as did Mikhail Gorbachev, Tony Blair, Felipe Calderón, Condoleezza Rice, and President Dodik. It is very unusual for the award to be given to a large number of people, and the fact that Dodik received it is a high recognition of his courage, boldness, and commitment to stand up and fight for the rights of Serbs," Blagojevich told RTRS.

He added that Republika Srpska, Serbia, and Serbs across the Balkans must be friends with the United States, as it is in their mutual interest.

"This is in the interest of the Serb people and in the interest of Americans. In two world wars, Serbs fought side by side with Americans, and then in the 1990s, under Bill Clinton, NATO, we betrayed the Serb people and supported the opposing side from both world wars. We know the Serb people was hurt by that, but I also know, because my father is originally from Šumadija, how much Serbs truly love America. Today is a great day for the Serb people, Republika Srpska, and Serbia," Blagojevich assessed.

Blagojevich emphasized that his message to Serbs is to never give up and to continue fighting against powerful forces.