Djuric: Konakovic’s rhetoric is inflammatory, Serbia will not allow itself to be drawn into a spiral of provocations

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric expressed serious concern over the latest inflammatory rhetoric by Elmedin Konakovic, stating that it not only shows a clear lack of diplomatic responsibility but also confirms a worrying pattern of attempts to shift the blame for the failure to conduct dialogue and fulfill international obligations onto Serbia.

Djuric said that Konakovic’s statement, which mentions the possible deployment of EUFOR and even goes so far as to talk about depriving political actors of their freedom or even their lives, represents a dangerous and unacceptable message.

"Instead of taking responsibility and making a concrete contribution to stabilizing the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Konakovic resorts to inflammatory rhetoric and inciting tensions," Djuric stated.

He emphasized that the Republic of Serbia remains firmly committed to preserving peace, respecting the Dayton Agreement, and building good neighborly relations through dialogue and cooperation.

Djuric said that those who casually talk about arrests and international interventions should first confront their own failures, including the stagnation on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path to the European Union, which is a result of internal divisions, a lack of reform steps, and the inability to secure genuine dialogue and trust among the constituent peoples.

He also pointed to the growing dissatisfaction among citizens, who expect responsible action from their leaders, not political rivalry and populism, or the misuse of the international community, attempting to turn it into a tool for internal confrontations instead of a partner in building stability. He further noted the loss of credibility both within Bosnia and Herzegovina and among serious international partners who recognize irresponsible behavior.

"Serbia will not allow itself to be drawn into a spiral of provocations. We will continue to act responsibly, promote stability, and protect the interests of all peoples in the region through institutional dialogue and respect for international law. We call on international partners to clearly condemn such rhetoric, as it does not lead to peace and stability but to new divisions and insecurity. It is time for responsibility and seriousness to return to the political discourse of the region," Djuric said.

Konakovic also addressed Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric today via the platform "X," asking whether he had supported Milorad Dodik’s threats.

"Instead of a broad and inaccurate elaboration, we need a clear answer. Did you support Dodik’s threats of force and the expulsion of Minister Lurman from the Republic of Srpska? He boasts that it was done on your orders, and you remain silent and do not react. What is the truth?" Konakovic asked.

Djuric responded that he was disappointed by Konakovic’s cheap political tricks.

"Your attempts to slander Serbia, Serbian presidents, ministers, and representatives, as well as the ugly lies you spread about my country, show only that you are intent on initiating a continuation of the tragedy of the 1990s," Djuric wrote on the social media platform "X."

He added that Serbia would not, like Konakovic, seek and build its future by returning to the past.

"Will what you are doing help anyone in your country or the region? Is that what the citizens you are supposed to serve want? I am not sure. And you know that what you are doing is wrong. Unfortunately, it seems that ambition, selfishness, and intolerance have prevailed. Drop it," Djuric stated.