The president of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, attended a reception in Vienna this evening to mark Republic Day and the 33rd anniversary of the adoption of the first Constitution of Republika Srpska.
“Every year around this time, we commemorate the adoption of Republika Srpska’s first constitution worldwide. It is an honor and a pleasure to be here tonight,” Dodik stated.
He emphasized that the world has witnessed how politically motivated trials are conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“However, with the arrival of a new administration in the U.S., new winds are blowing. The sovereignty of nations and states will be respected, and no one from the outside should interfere in a country’s internal affairs. I call on Germany to withdraw Christian Schmidt, or we will remove him ourselves. It would be better for them to act now than to face such an embarrassment. It would be foolish for Schmidt to think that he can impose his dictatorship on Republika Srpska—a region founded on the anti-fascist movement—while being an admirer of Nazi Germany,” Dodik added.
A gathering of unity in Vienna
Mladen Filipović, head of Republika Srpska’s Representation in Austria, highlighted the large number of attendees at the event in Vienna.
“We have the opportunity to host many distinguished guests, including the president of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik. We want to send a message of unity. Among our guests are diplomats, church representatives, and members of our communities across Austria. Once again, we stand together, sending a message of peace, reaffirming that we will not give up on our own. Commemorating Constitution Day is significant for our people—not only in Republika Srpska and Serbia but also for those in the diaspora,” Filipović emphasized.
The Minister for European Integration and International Cooperation of Republika Srpska, Zlatan Klokić, thanked the Representation in Austria for traditionally organizing the event in Vienna.
“It is important that we gather to send a message of unity and reaffirm our commitment to preserving our identity, tradition, and culture while supporting peace and stability. Through such events, we express support for the institutions of Republika Srpska and Serbia, which is needed now more than ever,” Klokić stressed.
A verdict against an entire people
Serbia’s Minister without Portfolio, Đorđe Milićević, described the verdict by the Court of BiH against Milorad Dodik as a pressure tactic against the autonomy and institutions of Republika Srpska.
“This is not just a verdict against one individual—it is a verdict against an entire people. I am responsible for diaspora affairs, but I do not use the word ‘diaspora’ because we are one people, no matter where we live. The Drina River has never divided us—it is the backbone that connects us,” Milićević emphasized.
The anthems of Republika Srpska and Serbia, along with several traditional songs, were performed by the music ensemble and choir of the “Beli Anđeo” Association from Banja Luka.
The Constitution of Republika Srpska—A pillar of equality
On February 28, 1992, the Assembly of the Serb People in Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the Constitution of Republika Srpska, which was unanimously passed based on the Declaration of Establishment and guaranteed full equality and rights for all citizens.
The highest legal act of Republika Srpska, still in force today with certain amendments, was adopted before the outbreak of tragic conflicts and the unilateral declaration of BiH’s independence by Bosniak and Croat leaders following the March 1 referendum, in which Serbs did not participate.
Source: RTRS
