Bipartisan group of lawmakers urge Rubio to take actions preventing deterioration in Western Balkans

A bipartisan group of members of Congress on Wednesday sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asking him to use all necessary tools in his arsenal to prevent deterioration within Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnian state prosecutors on Wednesday ordered the arrest of Republika Srpska leader Milorad Dodik, after he refused to accept a prison sentence and ban from politics. Dodik vowed he would not accept the sentence, and will continue a separatist agenda.

Senate Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley and a bipartisan group of leaders on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee led the letter, which conveyed concern over the fragile situation in the Balkans.

“We are deeply concerned about the recent actions of Milorad Dodik, the leader of the Republika Srpska entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina," the members wrote. "For years, he has engaged in secessionist activity, challenging Bosnia and Herzegovina’s state institutions, undermining the constitution and threatening the territorial integrity of the country."

The lawmakers said Dodik's actions are threatening peace in the region and affecting Bosnia and Herzegovina residents who are trying to do their jobs.

“In addition to threats of force, threats of arrests, sanctions and penal procedures have been directed at employees of Bosnia and Herzegovina state institutions living in Republika Srpska for continuing to carry out federal responsibilities," they said. "This is a direct attack on the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Dayton Peace Accords." 

The lawmakers explained that a collapse in the Western Balkans would harm vital U.S. interests in the area, and that tough American leadership is needed to counter Dodik's agenda.

The Senate leaders urged the Trump administration and Rubio to help prevent further deterioration in the area by expanding sanctions against Dodik and his team, increasing diplomatic relations with the country, and appointing a special envoy for the Western Balkans to help coordinate policy, among other ways.

Democratic Sens. Dick Durbin, Illinois, Chris Van Hollen, Md., and Peter Welch, Vt., and Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, N.C., signed the letter, along with Reps. Ann Wagner, a Republican from Missouri, and Mike Quigley, a Democrat from Illinois.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.