Every word of the Declaration on the Protection of National and Political Rights of the Serb People, as an act securing the future of all Serbs, carries profound significance and purpose. It is realized primarily through Serb states—Republika Srbija and Republika Srpska—which serve as a confirmation and guarantee that the Serb people will not disappear, emphasized Professor of Constitutional Law Siniša Karan.
Speaking to SRNA, Karan stated that the Declaration on the Protection of National and Political Rights and the Common Future of the Serb People has fully affirmed and oriented Republika Srpska’s statehood toward the future. Additionally, it has uniquely united the national and political identity of the Serb people—an autonomous, self-originating, authentic, and singular nation.
“Historical memory of our suffering has proven that only a nation that has its own state can count on its future and survival. Wherever Serbs have lost their state, they have been erased, killed, expelled, or almost entirely assimilated,” Karan pointed out.
The Declaration’s role in protecting Serb national and political rights
Karan stressed that the historical, state-building, social, and political value of the Declaration of the All-Serb Assembly is reflected in its promotion of national and political rights—the most fundamental rights of Serbs wherever they live. These rights are most strongly expressed in Serbia, the homeland of the Serb people, and in Republika Srpska as a state.
“Through this declaration, which is a long-term document based on international law, universal acts, treaties, and historical events, we have defined Sretenje (Candlemas) as the Statehood Day of both Republika Srbija and Republika Srpska,” Karan told SRNA.
He explained that Sretenje, as the statehood day of all Serbs, has until now been celebrated only in Serbia, which is the foundation of the shared Serb statehood, history, and unity. It symbolizes the protection of the Serb national and political identity, while also serving as a guiding principle for the common future.
“By celebrating Sretenje as the Statehood Day of Republika Srpska, we are, for the first time, solemnly recognizing our dual statehood: the statehood of Republika Srpska within the confederal-federal structure of BiH and its statehood within the framework of Serbia, in accordance with the Declaration of the All-Serb Assembly,” Karan added.
Serb unity and the fight against external pressures
“We have a moral, national, constitutional, and internationally recognized right to be connected with Serbia. Sretenje represents our pledge to continue meeting as brothers in the future, with the goal of protecting the Serb national and political identity,” Karan stated.
He emphasized the importance of promoting peace and unity through Sretenje celebrations, particularly in an era when Serb states—Serbia and Srpska—and their leadership are under attack.
“The Serb freedom-loving people have always made wise decisions and bravely defended both their freedom and their statehood,” he stressed.
Karan underscored that the affirmation of Republika Srpska’s statehood began on January 9, 1992, when Srpska was established, and continues to this day, stronger than ever.
“We must remember the difficult path that followed the dissolution of the Socialist Republic of BiH, when Republika Srpska was created as an expression of the people’s will and the universal rights of a constituent nation. Srpska existed as a fully sovereign state from 1992 to 1995 and entered the Dayton negotiations with full statehood capacity. In 1995, two states—Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH—joined together and ceded part of their sovereignty to BiH,” Karan explained.
The fight for Serb unity and the response to threats
Karan asserted that opponents of the Serb people—who also oppose the unity of all Serbs as one nation—immediately recognized the strength of these historic decisions.
“This is yet another confirmation of the significance of the All-Serb Assembly and the adoption of the Declaration, especially regarding the joint observance of Statehood Day on February 15,” he noted.
“Those who believe they can undermine the great, freedom-loving Serb people are gravely mistaken! Our response to all attacks on the Serb nation and its existence will be clear and unambiguous—it will be the voice of the people: a referendum!” Karan declared.
Source: RTRS
