US sanctions Bosnian Serb nationalist leader

by Nikita Vladimirov - 01/17/17 6:27 PM ET

The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Milorad Dodik, the Bosnian Serb nationalist leader, for his efforts in obstructing the the implementation of a peace deal in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Dodik, president of Republika Srpska, defied a Constitutional Court ruling by spearheading a campaign to to hold a referendum on celebrating “The Day of Republika Srpska” in January.

The court ruled that such a vote is unconstitutional for discriminating against non-Serbs, according to Reuters.

{mosads}”Milorad Dodik has defied the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, violated the rule of law and poses a significant risk of obstructing the implementation of the Dayton Accords,” said U.S. Ambassador Maureen Cormack in a statement on Tuesday.

“This action demonstrates our steadfast commitment Dayton Accords, to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to country’s continued European integration,” she added.

Dodik has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of the judiciary and has called for the independence of Republika Srpska.

“[The sanctions] are part and parcel of a result of Dodik’s call for secession, his defiance of the constitutional court and threats to withdraw the Republika Srpska members of the armed forces from the military,” another U.S. official told Reuters.

According to Cormack, the sanctions will block Dodik’s property “in possession or control of U.S. persons or within the Unites States.” The Ambassador also added that “transactions by U.S. persons involving Mr. Dodik are generally prohibited.”

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