President Milorad Dodik stated that Republika Srpska has survived impossible circumstances and today represents an organized society and a relevant actor in political negotiations.
“Today we remember one of the most important dates in our history. On this day, great leaders of the Serb people gathered — under nearly impossible conditions — to establish the highest legislative and political body. At that moment, we clearly said we would not allow any majorization,” Dodik said during the ceremonial academy of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska.
He noted that Serbs in BiH at that time faced only two paths — either to become part of a Muslim state and disappear, or to fight decisively for freedom, and that the struggle for freedom has always meant the struggle for a state.
“We were fully aware that we were entering a decisive struggle for the freedom of our people. I am proud to have been part of that. We were united then, even though we belonged to different political parties,” Dodik stressed.
He recalled that the National Assembly adopted key decisions for the status of Republika Srpska — the Declaration establishing Republika Srpska on January 9, 1992, then the Constitution on February 28, followed shortly by the Law on Police.
“Our intention in 1992 was to establish a state. Republika Srpska was constituted as such,” Dodik emphasized.
He added that Republika Srpska has always stood for respect for the Constitution — but the Dayton Constitution of BiH has been undermined.
“Today, Republika Srpska has positioned itself well. Republika Srpska is now a factor in negotiations,” he said, adding that everyone is aware that Dayton BiH has failed.
Dodik pointed out that Republika Srpska has its own policies today:
“We are ready for dialogue with everyone, ready to respect others, but we are not ready to give up Republika Srpska — its freedom and its right to make decisions about itself. Republika Srpska has emerged from the period of experiments imposed by others, and its guard is vigilant, day and night, to protect it. Today, Srpska is an organized society achieving growth.”
He stressed that Republika Srpska is developing its traditional society and is determined to protect it:
“We do not want to be subjected to processes of neoliberal globalization. We are firmly committed to respecting a people united around strong faith and the Serbian Orthodox Church.”
Dodik also said that the minimum wage must be increased, because this is a time to defend and support workers — the people who will remain in this land.
“Honor to all who gave their lives, and to those imprisoned and enduring suffering — we will never forget them. Honor to everyone who gathered around the idea of Republika Srpska,” Dodik concluded.
Source: RTRS
