A ceremonial academy was held in Banja Luka marking 34 years since the establishment of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska. Founded in 1991 as the Assembly of the Serb People in BiH, it emerged in peace as a safeguard of political and social identity, historical subjectivity, and the national character of the Serb people.
The ceremony began with a moment of silence for all who lost their lives in the Defensive-Patriotic War.
Addressing the audience, officials of Republika Srpska emphasized that the founding of the Assembly of the Serb People was one of the most important dates — a historic day when prominent Serb leaders united to establish the highest legislative body.
They stressed that marking the anniversary of the Assembly’s founding also represents the anniversary of establishing legitimate and sovereign authority — the expression of the Serb people’s will in the former BiH.
President of the National Assembly Nenad Stevandić said that Republika Srpska was created by those who survived the worst crimes, expulsions, and forced conversions endured by the Serb people throughout history.
President Milorad Dodik stated that Republika Srpska has survived impossible circumstances and today stands as an organized society and a relevant actor in negotiations.
The Serbian President’s envoy, Miloš Vučević, said it was a great honor to attend this anniversary and conveyed greetings on behalf of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
The academy took place at the Banski Dvor Cultural Center, attended by the President of the National Assembly Nenad Stevandić, President Milorad Dodik, Prime Minister Savo Minić, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Ivica Dačić, presidential envoy Miloš Vučević, ministers of Republika Srpska, and Serb representatives in joint institutions.
Also in attendance were former Assembly speakers, former MPs, mayors and municipal leaders, as well as numerous figures from public and social life.
The National Assembly of Republika Srpska was established on October 24, 1991, as the Assembly of the Serb People in BiH. The decision was made by MPs elected in the autumn 1990 elections.
At the same inaugural session, several key acts were adopted — including the Decision for the Serb People to Remain in the Common State of Yugoslavia and the Decision on Holding and Implementing a Plebiscite of the Serb People in BiH.
Source: RTRS
