FLYNN: ONE MUST BE FEARLESS ABOUT WHAT ONE WANTS IN FUTURE

BANJA LUKA, MARCH 3 /SRNA/ – Former US National Security Advisor General Michael Flynn has said today in Banja Luka that it is necessary to be fearless about where one wants to be in the future.

"I believe this is truly an exceptional opportunity, especially taking the current leadership in America into considerarion," Flynn said at the end of his lecture, which was attended by officials of Republika Srpska.

Answering a question about how Republika Srpska can fight for its freedom, Flynn mentioned the example of the separation of Czechoslovakia and highlighted the elements of a nation-state.

"Every nation and every proud people desire independence and need to understand how it is defined within international law. Your leaders must understand this when making arguments, and when explaining it to others, it should be explained clearly so that every element of a nation-state is understood," Flynn said.

He emphasized that the nation-state elements are defined in international law - population, territory, a functional government, belief in sovereignty, and recognition within international relations.

"That means you want to be recognised by someone, another state, a major power, a leading country, and to develop these international relations through trade and similar means. Part of why I am here is also to promote economic relations with America. We want to be competitive, to compete with others," General Flynn said.

He stressed that the next very important category of a nation-state is national unity.

"To feel united and cohesive as a nation. Then legitimacy, i.e. legality," Flynn added.

He believes that the Dayton Peace Agreement no longer makes sense.

"However, there is also what they call a single administration. That means not only having a functional government and rule of law but also a single administration - ministries, judges, and the judicial system in your own, without having to call someone from Brussels," Flynn said.

He added that functions are the next element, such as infrastructure, energy, healthcare, and education.

"These are the elements of a nation-state. I know this is relevant here and should be relevant for anyone who wants to have their own independence and make their own decisions," Flynn said.

After answering the questions, General Flynn's lecture ended. It was attended at the Government of Republika Srpska HQ by Prime Minister Savo Minić, ministers and members of parliament, National Assembly Speaker Nenad Stevandić, SNSD Leader Milorad Dodik, representatives of institutions at the level of BiH, local communities, and other institutions.

General Michael T. Flynn is the chairman of the Gold Institute for International Strategy and an expert in diplomacy, public administration, foreign policy, strategy formulation, defence, intelligence, and other areas of national and international security.