The establishment of the Assembly of the Serb People in BiH 34 years ago was a historic necessity and a statesmanlike act that demonstrated the maturity of the Serb people and their political leadership at that moment — laying the foundations of the statehood of Republika Srpska, stated Siniša Karan, professor of constitutional law.
Marking the 34th anniversary of the founding of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, Karan wrote in a column for SRNA that commemorating this historically important date reaffirms the Serb people’s lasting and unwavering decision to preserve Republika Srpska as the highest expression of freedom, constitutional order, and statehood.
His column in full:
Thirty-four years ago, a state-building process began — one that culminated in the international recognition of Republika Srpska in Dayton.
This process was not initiated by our choice. We were compelled to defend our fundamental human rights and freedoms, guaranteed by all relevant international instruments.
Thirty-four years ago, the Assembly of the Serb People in BiH was established, later becoming the National Assembly of Republika Srpska — today the highest legislative body in Republika Srpska, holding both constitutional and legislative authority.
The establishment of the Assembly was neither accidental nor rushed. It was a historic necessity and a statesmanlike decision that showcased the political maturity of the Serb people and their leaders.
At a time when the political will of Serbs was isolated, when an entire people was being outvoted, and when the foundations of the joint state were being dismantled along AVNOJ borders, Serbs had to organize institutionally to defend their right to exist, to freedom, and to statehood.
The decision to establish the Assembly of the Serb People was not directed against others. Rather, it was — and remains — one of the vital decisions that form the essence of Republika Srpska today. It marked the beginning of the constitutional process of Republika Srpska.
The Assembly did not endanger the rights of other peoples in BiH; on the contrary, it guaranteed equality — becoming a pledge of peace and stability in the region. Equality was the key principle proclaimed by the Assembly and later embedded in the Geneva and New York agreements, as well as in the Dayton Peace Agreement and the Constitution of BiH, where it stands as one of the pillars of the state.
Equality excludes majorization. Equality guarantees peace. Equality is the condition for living together.
By founding the Assembly in 1991, the foundations of Republika Srpska’s statehood were laid. RS functioned as an independent state until the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement — this was a cry for peace, justice, and a constitutional duty.
That step demonstrated the political vision and maturity of the Serb people who, during the breakup of Yugoslavia, chose to defend their equality, democratic order, and historical continuity.
By marking this important date today, we reaffirm our permanent and unwavering decision to preserve Republika Srpska as the highest expression of our freedom, constitutionalism, and statehood. Republika Srpska has retained its subjectivity within Dayton BiH.
The struggle for the constitutional position of Republika Srpska has never ceased — and likely never will. This reality requires us to remain vigilant, to safeguard what we have, and to protect the Dayton constitutional order.
Today’s developments and attacks on Republika Srpska confirm the correctness of those earlier decisions. Just as we then resisted pressure and recognized the danger to the survival of the Serb people, Republika Srpska today continues to endure and faces new challenges with readiness.
The strength of Republika Srpska comes from its people. The people are its foundation — the foundation of its institutions — and that is why Republika Srpska is undefeatable, something increasingly recognized by those who have worked against it for years.
Today, we can say proudly and openly that we extend a hand to all who wish to build fair relations, peace, and stability with us — but we will never be anyone’s servants.
Just as 34 years ago, we are once again being tested. And I have no doubt that we will succeed — because we understand that Republika Srpska was not given to us; we fought for it, bearing countless sacrifices.
Republika Srpska was created by the Serb people, defended by the Serb people, and is preserved by the Serb people. Republika Srpska is a permanent and unquestionable category of history, law, and justice.
Source: RTRS
