Post by Caslav Klonimirovic on Aug 17, 2010 6:43:01 GMT -5
Dodik speaks on independent Kosovo, Republika Srpska
August 6th, 2010 8:37 pm
Republika Srpska Prime Minister Milorad Dodik.
Photo: www.snsd.org/dnn/
It seems as if Republika Srpska Prime Minister Milorad Dodik is advocating for a partition of Kosovo. In an interview with Belgrade-weekly NIN, Prime Minister Dodik has stated that the "...'policy of 'Kosovo is Serbia' is the only policy that can be pursued until a certain compensation is obtained.'" In an earlier interview with Belgrade-daily Vecernje Novosti, Dodik had put forth his own solution in regards to a possible recognition of Kosovo: "...'if you want us to recognize independence of one part of Kosovo we want the north of the province to remain in Serbia, to grant a special status to the Serbian people who remain outside the territory, to protect the monuments and monasteries.'"
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia has led Dodik to draw parallels for Republika Srpska's own quest for independence from Bosnia and Hercegovina. It is, according to Prime Minister Dodik, "...'inconceivable to avoid drawing a parallel between Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina' [and that] 'foreigners are most vulnerable when one questions their illusion called Bosnia-Herzegovina.'"
He is quick to point out, however, that secession is not on the agenda in Banja Luka; rather, it is a fight for "status." This openly-vague wording is of course a stepping stone towards outright secession. When states, provinces, or other clearly defined areas of a country talk of increased autonomy or "status," it opens the door for secession. For regions with clearly defined borders, high levels of autonomy, and a low degree of assimilation have a high propensity for secessionist aspirations.
The prime minister did add one caveat, stating that Banja Luka's fight for status "...'could evolve and bring RS to a different position at some point when everyone will realize that Bosnia-Herzegovina is an impossible formation.'"
August 6th, 2010 8:37 pm
Republika Srpska Prime Minister Milorad Dodik.
Photo: www.snsd.org/dnn/
It seems as if Republika Srpska Prime Minister Milorad Dodik is advocating for a partition of Kosovo. In an interview with Belgrade-weekly NIN, Prime Minister Dodik has stated that the "...'policy of 'Kosovo is Serbia' is the only policy that can be pursued until a certain compensation is obtained.'" In an earlier interview with Belgrade-daily Vecernje Novosti, Dodik had put forth his own solution in regards to a possible recognition of Kosovo: "...'if you want us to recognize independence of one part of Kosovo we want the north of the province to remain in Serbia, to grant a special status to the Serbian people who remain outside the territory, to protect the monuments and monasteries.'"
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia has led Dodik to draw parallels for Republika Srpska's own quest for independence from Bosnia and Hercegovina. It is, according to Prime Minister Dodik, "...'inconceivable to avoid drawing a parallel between Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina' [and that] 'foreigners are most vulnerable when one questions their illusion called Bosnia-Herzegovina.'"
He is quick to point out, however, that secession is not on the agenda in Banja Luka; rather, it is a fight for "status." This openly-vague wording is of course a stepping stone towards outright secession. When states, provinces, or other clearly defined areas of a country talk of increased autonomy or "status," it opens the door for secession. For regions with clearly defined borders, high levels of autonomy, and a low degree of assimilation have a high propensity for secessionist aspirations.
The prime minister did add one caveat, stating that Banja Luka's fight for status "...'could evolve and bring RS to a different position at some point when everyone will realize that Bosnia-Herzegovina is an impossible formation.'"