POLICE WILL PROTECT THE PRESIDENT AND ALL DESIGNATED PERSONS AND FACILITIES

BANJA LUKA, JUNE 23 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska Minister of Interior Siniša Karan has stated today that the Srpska police have consistently demonstrated the capacity to protect all designated individuals and government facilities, including President Milorad Dodik, whose safety has been under threat for some time.

"We will fully protect him and all other individuals under threat in Republika Srpska, which is going to remain the case in the future, too," Karan told the press in Banja Luka.

He notes that, unfortunately, in recent years the greatest number of security threats has been directed against the president of Srpska.

"In that regard, we have taken and continue to take a series of measures and actions to enhance the security of the president, certain facilities, and other protected individuals holding key government positions," Karan said.

He stresses that attacks on top Srpska officials have increased in proportion to the intensity of their defence of Republika Srpska's interests.

"These threats come from extremist and radical political circles in the Federation of BiH. However, we will continue to provide full security guarantees so that our officials can carry out their duties," Karan emphasized.

He added that, in the interest of citizens, the Srpska police will cooperate with all security agencies in the country and the region.

President Milorad Dodik stated earlier, regarding the reported assassination plot against him, that the names and motives of those involved must be revealed swiftly and publicly. He says he does not feel endangered but very secure under the protection of the Srpska and Serbian police forces.