BOŠKOVIĆ: SERBIAN COMMUNITY IN SLOVENIA SUPPORTS PRESIDENT DODIK

BANJA LUKA, SEPTEMBER 12 /SRNA/ - The Ljubljana parish priest of the Serbian Orthodox Church /SOC/ Peran Bošković told SRNA that the Serbian community in Slovenia supports Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, and that relations with the country have always been good, which is why the introduction of sanctions came as a surprise.

Bošković emphasized that President Dodik has always been a welcome guest in Slovenia, which has maintained good relations with the SOC and the Serbs living there.

"This was felt in all contacts, meetings, and in all forms of assistance we received from individuals and the state," Bošković said.

He said that the Slovenian Government provided one-third of the funds for the construction of a cultural-pastoral center in Ljubljana, which cost three million Euros.

"We wouldn't have had this center without the support from Slovenia, which still treats the Serbian community well," Bošković said.

The Government of Slovenia confirmed yesterday its decision to impose sanctions on Republika Srpska President and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik, which include a ban on entering the country.

The Government of Republika Srpska subsequently introduced reciprocal measures, banning Slovenia's President Nataša Pirc Musar and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, from entering Republika Srpska.