SRPSKA HAS NEVER HAD MORE FRIENDS; VISIT TO WASHINGTON WILL BE EXTREMELY SIGNIFICANT

BELGRADE, JANUARY 30 /SRNA/ - The Ambassador of BiH to Serbia Aleksandar Vranješ said that it is evident that Republika Srpska has never had more friends in the world than it does today, and that the announced visit of the Srpska delegation to Washington is extremely significant, as some have tried to portray relations with the United States in a negative light.

"We will, after some time, see a high-level delegation of Republika Srpska in Washington, which, by all assessments, will be received very, very well," Vranješ told SRNA.

He stated that during the visit to Hungary announced for tomorrow, SNSD leader Milorad Dodik will once again meet with that country’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, who is not only one of the most skillful and important leaders in the EU, but has also unequivocally shown that he is a great friend of both Dodik and Republika Srpska.

"Their communication is regular, they meet regularly, and whenever Republika Srpska has needed some form of assistance from Hungary, Orbán has been more than willing to help. Hungary and Prime Minister Orbán belong to the group of great friends of Republika Srpska," Vranješ pointed out.

He stated that the intensity of Republika Srpska’s diplomatic activities is constantly increasing.

"It is likely that, following these repeated elections, further communication with Moscow can be expected, including a visit there as well," he said.

Commenting on the visit of SNSD leader Milorad Dodik and the acting President of Republika Srpska, Ana Trišić Babić, to Israel, where they were received by the highest officials of that country, Vranješ said that Israel demonstrated great friendship and respect, and that the flags of Republika Srpska were displayed during the bilateral meetings.

"By being received by the highest holders of power, Israel made it clear, on a symbolic level, that Republika Srpska is a major friend and a partner. It was also confirmed that, as has been said from Srpska for years, we are not only friends, but that we share many things throughout history, including our system of values, the fight against radical Islam, and a common history of suffering," he said.

Vranješ pointed out that Sarajevo and the opposition in Republika Srpska attempted to downplay the importance of this visit, but that it is clear to anyone with even a basic understanding of foreign policy that Srpska is respected as a significant partner of Israel at the bilateral level.

"We saw this very clearly, and Israel did not hide it at all. It showed great goodwill toward Republika Srpska and toward Dodik. The visit to Israel can be assessed as one of his most comprehensive - symbolically, bilaterally, and diplomatically - and most significant visits of his political career. This is a major development that has taken place," Vranješ emphasized.

He stated that, when it comes to potential assistance to Republika Srpska, Israel made it clear that it would help wherever it can on the foreign policy front.

"This is very important. Israel enjoys a very strong standing in the United States, and it is clear that Republika Srpska is seeking to raise the level of understanding with Washington, and Israel’s assistance in this regard is of great value," Vranješ said.

Regarding the latest moves by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Council of Ministers of BiH, Elmedin Konaković, in connection with this visit, Vranješ said that Konaković, first and foremost, did not have the right to send a protest note. He emphasized that Srpska has repeatedly stated that BiH’s foreign policy is conducted by the Presidency of BiH, and that the minister may act exclusively on instructions and cannot independently engage in foreign policy matters on his own initiative.

"He, like Bisera before him and many of their ministers, has violated this and engaged in foreign policy actions exclusively in Bosniak interests. That is what they have done. Do not be surprised when one day a Serb comes to the position of foreign minister and continues the same practice, but in the interest of the Serbian people and Republika Srpska," Vranješ said.

He concluded that this would greatly bother Sarajevo, but that it suits them very well when foreign policy is taken over by ministers who do not have the consent of the Presidency of BiH.