Dodik: Croatia committed aggression against Republika Srpska in 1995
Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Milorad Dodik, leader of Bosnia's Republika Srpska entity, accused Croatia of aggression in 1995.
- He stated that Croatia, with the Bosnian Army, attacked the western Krajina municipalities of Republika Srpska.
- Dodik also criticized the EU's policies and emphasized the importance of Serbian unity and identity, aligning with Serbia.
Milorad Dodik, the leader of Bosnia's ruling Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), has accused Croatia of aggression against the Republika Srpska entity in 1995. Speaking at a commemoration event in Mrkonjiฤ Grad for Serbs displaced during Croatia's "Operation Storm," Dodik asserted that Croatia, alongside the Bosnian Army, launched an offensive on western Krajina municipalities of Republika Srpska during the summer and fall of that year.
Croatia, along with the Army of BiH, committed aggression against the Republika Srpska in the summer and autumn of 1995, by attacking the municipalities of western Krajina.
Dodik invoked historical grievances, referencing alleged Croatian crimes against Serbs during World War II and "Operation Storm." He claimed the operation was orchestrated by "American experts" and resulted in "genocide and ethnic cleansing," a narrative he contrasted with what he called the "propaganda" that Serbs were responsible. He further expressed distrust in the European Union, stating that Europe should not dictate Republika Srpska's path and accusing the EU of pursuing a unitarist policy within Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dodik asserted that Bosnia and Herzegovina is composed solely of Serbian, Croatian, and Bosniak cultural heritage.
They committed genocide and ethnic cleansing, and their propaganda says that Serbs did it.
Emphasizing a strong connection with Serbia, Dodik declared, "Our only direction is Serbia and RS." He extended gratitude to Serbian President Aleksandar Vuฤiฤ for supporting the annual commemoration of Serb suffering during "Operation Storm." Dodik warned against opposition to Vuฤiฤ within Serbia, stating that Republika Srpska relies on Serbia's success and appreciates its support. He also called for a return to the original Dayton Accords and the annulment of decisions made by high representatives, alleging that foreign powers attempt to install "their stooges" in Serbia.
Our only direction is Serbia and RS.
Concluding his remarks, Dodik thanked Patriarch Porfirije of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC), crediting the church with preserving Serbian unity and identity. He urged against prioritizing particular interests, stressing the need to nurture Serbian identity and unity above all else. Dodik's statements reflect a strong nationalist stance, reinforcing ties with Serbia and criticizing international involvement in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
RS lives from Serbia's success and we are grateful for the support we have from Serbia.
Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.