Milorad Dodik has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of Italian EUFOR personnel who lost their lives in a helicopter crash near Brčko, emphasizing the historical ties between the Italian and Serb peoples.
“I was deeply saddened to receive the news of the deaths of Italian EUFOR personnel in a helicopter accident near Brčko. I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish those injured a speedy recovery,” Dodik stated.
He emphasized that Italians and Serbs from Republika Srpska share a special historical connection that stretches back much further than many people realize.
Dodik recalls Italian volunteers who fought alongside Serbs in 1875
In a post on X, Dodik recalled the role of Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi and his volunteers during the Herzegovina Uprising of 1875.
“When the Nevesinje Uprising erupted in 1875 and ignited the Herzegovina Uprising, the great Giuseppe Garibaldi did not remain silent,” Dodik wrote.
“He sent his men, the Garibaldini, young men who had fought for the unification of Italy and then came to fight on our side.”
Dodik highlighted the participation of Italian volunteers alongside Serb insurgents led by Duke Mićo Ljubibratić.
“They came to Herzegovina, stood alongside the insurgents and Duke Mićo Ljubibratić, and through their presence gave something that must never be forgotten — their lives for freedom, fighting shoulder to shoulder with young Serb men,” he stated.
Republika Srpska stands with the victims’ families
Dodik concluded his message by reaffirming Republika Srpska’s solidarity with the families affected by the tragedy.
He stressed that Republika Srpska stands wholeheartedly with the families of those killed and injured in the helicopter crash.
Source: RTRS
