The president of the Republika Srpska entity, Milorad Dodik, responded politely to the statement made by the American ambassador, Michael Murphy. The ambassador had mentioned that the bomber flights that took place on the day were a gesture of cooperation and friendship.
Dodik expressed that the mentioned action cannot be classified as a friendly gesture and suggested that the American ambassador take some time to relax.
Dodik expressed that having American planes in the airspace of Republika Srpska without approval or consent from the authorities is not viewed as a cooperative or friendly act. He also mentioned that Michael Murphy, as a representative of the USA, may benefit from taking a break in a different location. Dodik emphasized that he does not intend to confront Murphy, but would suggest using different methods instead of intimidation. He also stated that they are not afraid and aware of the situation.
We would like to kindly inform you that earlier today (May 30th), just before 3:00 p.m., two American B-1B Lancer bombers conducted a flight over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The bombers were accompanied by Željko Komšić, a member of the BiH Presidency, Zukan Helez, the Minister of Defense of BiH, and Michael Murphy, the US Ambassador to BiH.
The President of Bosnia and Herzegovina from the RS entity has expressed concerns about foreign planes, particularly those from the United States, flying over the “airspace of the Republika Srpska.” He believes that such flights may be perceived as provocative, intimidating, and pressuring.
