The President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, stated at the joint session of the governments of Srpska and Serbia that the Declaration adopted is a historic and essential national document that rehabilitates Serb national interests.
“I believe that this event will be written into the history of the Serb people. The Declaration encompasses all important aspects of our relations,” said Dodik.
Dodik emphasized that the Declaration will be adopted in the assemblies of Serbia and Srpska and will be the possession of every person in the Serb states.
“Srpska is satisfied with the autonomy it received through the Dayton Agreement, but that has been brought into question. BiH cannot continue violating Dayton; it is better for us to live as good neighbors than to be permanently feuding housemates. The Serb people want peace,” Dodik stressed.
Dodik stated that in Srpska, they believe BiH cannot continue violating the Dayton Agreement, which has broad and far-reaching implications.
“It is better for us to live as good neighbors than to be permanently feuding housemates, making it our way of life. The Serbian people permanently want peace,” Dodik emphasized.
At this national assembly, a message will be sent that we are members of one nation, wherever we are, and that Serbs are not Montenegrin or Bosnian, but Serbs.
“Today, I heard some say before us that we do not wish to harm anyone. That is typical of us. But many have harmed us. We are coming out with a strong declaration. At a time when those who wanted to impose the label of a genocidal nation on us gather at the UN. It is not stated, but it is implied. We are not a genocidal nation. This resolution does not concern us in terms of implementation. The greatest humiliation is the fact that mechanisms from the General Assembly’s rules were used, stating that it is an irrelevant issue. The Serb people should recognize Mr. Vučić for his struggle. Only great statesmen can recognize the moment in an unfavorable environment and fight like Mr. Vučić. He understood more than anyone that it is not just an ordinary paper for someone to adopt, but something that should permanently mark us. It will only mark us if we accept it, and we refuse,” Dodik said.
He also stated that it should be loudly proclaimed that Kosovo and Metohija are inalienable parts of Serbia and Republika Srpska due to cultural heritage.
“We want to make it clear that Srpska was satisfied with the autonomy given by the Dayton Agreement. But you must know that over the years, through various acrobatics, it has been undermined and questioned. Today, we would still be satisfied with the autonomy given by the Dayton Agreement, but that is impossible. Not because of us, but because of those who do not want to return to the framework of the Dayton Agreement,” Dodik said.
He added that Republika Srpska can no longer affirm its satisfaction with the autonomy granted by Dayton because it has been threatened.
“90 percent of the powers have been taken away due to some illusions of foreigners. It is important that we provide a response, and that it is unified. Circumstances on the international stage have significantly changed. It is necessary for the Serbian people at this Assembly to provide answers to numerous questions,” Dodik said.
Dodik emphasized that the balance in the world has changed and that international relations must be understood.
“Alexandar Vučić understands them better than others. We in Srpska believe that BiH cannot continue violating Dayton and with foreign intervention. It is better for us to live as good neighbors, with our rights, with our political-territorial entities, than to be permanently feuding housemates. The Serbian people want peace, and we have said this many times. I am convinced that if we come to the moment where we have to make a decision, just follow President Vučić’s decision at that moment. He is the man who can provide an answer to that question,” Dodik emphasized.
The President of Srpska stated that this Serb gathering should be welcomed by our neighbors. Messages of mutual respect will be sent from the Assembly.
“The Serb Orthodox Church (SPC) for the Serbian people is an institution that has preserved our identity. Members of our church have sacrificed their lives throughout history. We are asked to sacrifice our comfort. And we should know who supported that cursed resolution in the UN and have a stance towards them. Not to forget in a few days. They have forced us to imprint their ill intentions in our collective memory. We want Serbia to be strong, and it has risen. In the last decade, Serbia has become unrecognizable. I see the change, the strength. It is not in buildings and roads. It is in determination. Vučić lives every day in the fight for the Serb people and Serbia,” said Dodik.
He emphasized that he is proud of Vučić for rejecting all the attacks that came from those who considered it a success when Serbs could not express their goals.
“Everyone, line up and be grateful that you are part of this great gathering. Let us return to our true values. In Serbia and Srpska, many peoples live, and they should be equal. Thanks to everyone who worked on this important document,” said Dodik.
“There are media that say Srpska is a burden to Serbia, creating a sense of unease when we come here. I have never had that feeling when talking to Vučić. This is a Serb assembly, and treat it as such. This is continuity. The Assembly will become more organized in the coming days and years. Let us remain committed to meeting every two years. It is a pride to defend the interests of our people and state. And understand that it is difficult for us to stay with those who impose the label of genocidal on us, while 50 years ago, they committed genocide against us,” said Dodik.
Source: RTRS
