The Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, Radovan Višković, stated today in Vlasenica that the struggle for equal status of the Serb people in Bosnia and Herzegovina continues, and that Republika Srpska will never give up defending its freedom.
Speaking at the commemoration of the Day of the Liberation of Vlasenica, Višković reminded that on April 21, 1992, an attempted deception by the Bosniak side was thwarted, preventing a repetition of the tragedy from the summer of 1942, when over 200 prominent Serbs were executed in Rašića Gaj.
— An almost identical infernal plan was being devised in the 1990s. It later became clear that there were lists of prominent Serbs marked for liquidation — Višković told reporters.
He explained that the Bosniak side was preparing for bloodshed through official institutions at the time, noting that the commander of the Territorial Defense was also the top SDA official in the area, with meetings, arming of civilians, and list-making starting as early as February 1992 in his home.
— Thanks to the intelligence officers of the former Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA), those plans were thwarted. Forces entered Vlasenica from Šekovići, disarmed the illegally armed Bosniaks, and prevented yet another Serb tragedy — Višković emphasized.
He noted that a swift and smart operation prevented Vlasenica from experiencing an even greater massacre than that of Rašića Gaj.
The Prime Minister stressed that unfortunately, little has changed in the 33 years since, and that today the most prominent Serbs are again under attack.
— Today, all those fighting for Republika Srpska are being targeted by the illegitimate court and prosecutor’s office — from the president and prime minister, to the speaker of the National Assembly, municipal mayors, and public company directors — Višković pointed out.
He emphasized that today, from Vlasenica, the institutions of Republika Srpska are sending a message of peace.
— We are a peaceful people, but we defend our freedom, our property, and our Republika Srpska. This is our land, and we have the right to enjoy the same freedoms and privileges as any other people here — Višković stated.
He congratulated the municipal leadership and all citizens on the Day of Liberation, expressing hope that this important day will be proudly celebrated for the next hundred years and more.
Mayor Miroslav Kraljević recalled that Vlasenica had once been a unified town where a peaceful territorial agreement was reached, but that the SDA abandoned that agreement and armed its people for a bloody conflict.
— Serbs in Vlasenica had no other choice but to organize and defend themselves. We obtained information that every Bosniak in the town was assigned to kill one Serb — said Kraljević.
According to him, the Serb population managed to prevent a repeat of the World War II history in the region.
— Serbs simply defended what was theirs, and that’s why today we live in a free Vlasenica, proudly and honorably marking this great day. I am proud of all members of the Army of Republika Srpska who gave their lives for the homeland and our municipality — Kraljević said.
He added that the greatest victory was that the Serb people remained united during the hardest times.
— We stayed together and united. That is my message today — that we must remain united around our institutions and everything that is Republika Srpska — Kraljević concluded.
Today, Vlasenica marks 33 years since its liberation during the Defensive-Patriotic War, in which more than 300 Serb fighters lost their lives.
The Day of Liberation is one of the most significant dates in the modern history of this local community, evoking memories of the difficult days in the fight for freedom.
Source: Glas Srpske
