Diplomatic Incident in Banja Luka: Serbia’s DefMin refuses to stand for Bosnia anthem

Controversy broke out after several fugitives wanted by Bosnia’s State Court — Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, National Assembly Speaker Nenad Stevandic, and Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic — were seen attending the ceremony. Their presence alone sparked outrage, but tensions escalated further when Serbian Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic remained seated alongside Dodik during the playing of the Bosnian national anthem.

Foreign Minister Konakovic condemned the act, calling it an unprecedented breach of diplomatic norms and respect.

“Today we witnessed behavior from Serbia’s defense minister who remained seated during the national anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A protest note is being drafted in my office as we speak, which I will sign urgently,” Konakovic told reporters following a meeting of the Council of Ministers.

“I will issue a strong protest to the Serbian authorities and its public, so they are fully aware of the kind of defense minister they have and the level of disrespect he demonstrated toward the country he was visiting,” he said.

Konakovic emphasized that such behavior was unheard of both diplomatically and personally, calling Gasic’s actions “highly inappropriate.”

He added a direct message to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and newly appointed Prime Minister Djuro Macut: “Once again, we urge the leadership in Serbia to reflect on how they treat Bosnia and Herzegovina.”