President of the entity of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik stated that the decisions of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt will not be implemented in the Serb entity.

“I have a plan if the High Representative brings something. It will be very interesting, but the plan does not involve any conflict, but a political challenge,” said Dodik, commenting on media reports of his dismissal.

The High Representative in Bosnia Christian Schmidt has the authority to dismiss any appointed or elected officials if he deems that they pose a threat to the Dayton Peace Agreement or the rule of law.

During a press conference, Dodik stated that he was elected as the President of Republika Srpska by citizens during elections held last October.

“Let him try, maybe he wants it to happen in order to show his incompetence to do anything,” Dodik said.

His statement comes a day after members of the Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) collected documentation from the Official Gazette offices in Republika Srpska.

This institution has published Dodik’s unconstitutional decree stating that the decisions of the Office of the High Representative will no longer be published in Republika Srpska, and the decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina will no longer be implemented in the territory of the entity.

Dodik’s decree was published in the Official Gazette on 10 July. The proposers of this legislation were Dodik, the deputies, and the Government of Republika Srpska. The Assembly of this entity approved these legal changes at the end of June.

Schmidt, with his decisions on 1 July, has completely suspended all legal procedures. The High Representative has also penalized non-compliance with his decisions, and anyone who violates this can be sentenced to up to five years in prison.

Dodik’s press conference was held after a meeting of senior Bosnian officials with the Head of the European Union Delegation Johanna Sattler, and the Director for Europe of the European External Action Service Angelina Eichhorst.

Following the meeting held in Sarajevo, Dodik stated that he wishes for Bosnia to be accepted as a member of the EU.

During this meeting, the political crisis caused by Dodik’s anti-Dayton activities was also discussed.

Dodik stated that he agreed with the EU that the representatives of the authorities should present a proposal for political tension until Monday.