DODIK: LAW ON PRESIDENT NEEDED, BUT NOT SURE IF TIME IS RIGHT

BANJA LUKA, MARCH 20 /SRNA/ - The President of SNSD Milorad Dodik stated that Republika Srpska needs a law on the President of the Republic, noting that most countries have such legislation, but added that he is not sure whether now is the right time to initiate that process.

"It is not the right time for such a law, because it would appear that it is being introduced because of me. All organized states have such a law, and we should take into account that only 20 to 25 people become presidents of a country in a century. That role carries responsibility not only while in office, but also after leaving it," Dodik told reporters in Banja Luka.

He said it would be appropriate to start the procedure, but that everything has become so politicized that the issue is being personalized in a negative way.

"We will see. Perhaps it would be best to adopt such a law without me. Political life in Republika Srpska is dynamic. Republika Srpska meets all the criteria of a democratic state," Dodik stated.

He added that foreign intervention and pressure over the past decades have left many issues unresolved.

"Responsible societies and states have such a law, and we should adopt one as well. Whether now is the right time, I don't know. I can only conclude that if you adopt it, don't ask me," Dodik emphasized.