The 35th anniversary of the establishment of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska was marked with a ceremonial gathering in Pale. Founded on October 24, 1991, in Sarajevo as the Assembly of the Serb People in BiH, the institution was established by Serb representatives elected in the first multiparty elections in 1990. Since then, it has remained at the center of major political decisions affecting Republika Srpska, its institutions and citizens.
Thirty-five years ago, the Serb people in BiH and their political representatives chose a path of institutional organization, laying the foundations for the establishment of Republika Srpska and expressing their commitment to the rule of law.
Speakers at the anniversary ceremony emphasized that the National Assembly has continued to serve as a central institution in the political and constitutional life of Republika Srpska.
“The Army did not create Republika Srpska. Neither did the police. The Army and police defended Republika Srpska after it had been established. Together with our people, we created it and embarked on the path we had chosen. Today, we have Republika Srpska celebrating 35 years,” said Stevan Medić, President of the Association of the Creators of Republika Srpska.
Dodik: Establishing the Assembly was a historic political decision
Milorad Dodik, who served as a member of the first Assembly, recalled the difficult circumstances surrounding the political organization of the Serb people and the establishment of the Assembly of the Serb People in BiH.
He described the decision as an expression of political awareness among a people seeking freedom, emphasizing that, in his view, the intention was to avoid war and establish Republika Srpska through peaceful political means.
“I must acknowledge that the decision was made by the Serbian Democratic Party (SDS) at the time, which chose this path to continue the political struggle,” Dodik said.
“Looking back from today’s perspective, I would say that it was a historic decision of fundamental importance, made at precisely the right moment. Without that decision, there would have been no Republika Srpska, and we would not be sitting here today,” he added.
More than 2,300 laws adopted over 35 years
Since October 24, 1991, the National Assembly of Republika Srpska has operated through 11 parliamentary terms and held 505 sessions.
During that period, it has adopted 2,357 laws, 3,471 decisions, 1,795 conclusions, 13 resolutions, 31 declarations, two formal positions and seven protests.
National Assembly President Nenad Stevandić said these achievements place the institution alongside parliaments with much longer histories.
“The greatest value of this parliamentary term, and of all of you here today, including all 11 terms, is that since the establishment of Republika Srpska, we represent the first Serb leadership that has not been overthrown, betrayed, removed through actions by the Federation and international actors, or divided internally,” Stevandić stated.
Minić: National Assembly is a pillar of Republika Srpska
Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minić emphasized the importance of Pale in the Republic’s history, saying that the anniversary sends a strong message about preserving institutions and remembering the circumstances in which they were established.
He noted that the National Assembly has demonstrated its institutional continuity and determination throughout the past 35 years.
“The National Assembly of Republika Srpska is a pillar of the preservation of Republika Srpska. From this place, I want to call for parliamentary sessions to be conducted with dignity and for all representatives to serve as the voice of the Serb people throughout Republika Srpska,” Minić said.
Speakers also described the parliament as a defender of the rights and freedoms of the Serb people and other communities living in Republika Srpska, as well as its constitutional position and political status.
Serbia reaffirms support for the Dayton Agreement
The anniversary ceremony also highlighted relations with Serbia, one of the signatories of the Dayton Peace Agreement.
Serbian Defense Minister Bratislav Gašić, attending as a representative of Serbia’s institutions, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the agreement.
“The Republic of Serbia firmly supports preserving both the letter and the spirit of the Dayton Agreement,” Gašić stated.
“Rest assured that in the years ahead, we will continue building the closest and strongest possible ties with you, because the well-being of our compatriots in Republika Srpska is just as important to us as the well-being of Serbs in the Republic of Serbia,” he added.
Calls for special recognition of Aleksandar Vučić
During the anniversary celebrations, speakers also proposed that the National Assembly grant special recognition to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić for his diplomatic efforts surrounding the United Nations General Assembly resolution on Srebrenica.
The resolution received 84 votes in favor among the UN’s 193 member states.
Dodik praised Vučić’s involvement in the debate, arguing that the Serbian president had actively challenged what Dodik considered an inaccurate interpretation of events.
“Our people must not forget his actions. He could have remained seated in Belgrade, but instead he went to the United Nations General Assembly to challenge what he believed was untrue and what others wanted to impose,” Dodik said.
Stevandić also expressed support for Serbia and its president.
“We stand with Serbia and Aleksandar Vučić because Republika Srpska remembers, knows and recognizes who is capable of leading a strong and independent Serbia that, together with Republika Srpska, protects our people, our territory and our future,” he stated.
The anniversary ceremony concluded with a message that the National Assembly of Republika Srpska would continue responding institutionally to future political challenges.
Speakers expressed their determination to preserve the Republic’s institutions, constitutional position and political interests, emphasizing the Assembly’s continued role in the years ahead.
Source: RTRS
