Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minić has stated that Republika Srpska is his homeland and that its existence must never be called into question, regardless of the challenges it faces.
“For me, it is also our patron saint’s day, our graves, our memories, our national identity and our Church. These are things that can never be called into question. They are what we live for, what we carry within ourselves, what we belong to and what we fight for, while legitimately seeking our rights in this region,” Minić said during a podcast hosted by the Republika Srpska Memorial Center.
Minić emphasizes importance of preserving historical memory
Minić stressed that the work of the Memorial Center is essential for presenting what he described as the truth about events during the 1992–1995 war, arguing that Republika Srpska and its people had long been underestimated and portrayed negatively in the international community.
“Only the truth can preserve us, and I can say that the Center’s work is bringing about many positive changes,” Minić stated.
“This work must never generate hatred toward anyone. Instead, it should make us stronger and more aware of what can happen when we are disorganized and targeted by those who do not want us to exist. And such people do exist,” he added.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the struggle for Republika Srpska has never ended, although today it is being pursued through institutional, political and economic means.
“Everyone who lived here during the war, participated in it or made any sacrifice carries the awareness that an enormous price was paid for Republika Srpska. Sons, fathers and brothers lost their lives. We must value that sacrifice. Whenever we act in public or political life, we must always keep it in mind,” Minić said.
Criticism of BiH judicial institutions
Minić also criticized what he described as selective justice in the aftermath of the war, alleging that similar practices continue today within the Court and Prosecutor’s Office of BiH.
He referred to the proceedings involving Atif Dudaković, questioning delays that he attributed to health-related reasons.
“Why should we be afraid to say that Atif Dudaković, who recorded himself ordering the killing of Serbs, does not appear in court for eight or nine months for health reasons, while in the meantime he walks around, gives interviews and so on?” Minić asked.
He also criticized the treatment of Elfeta Veseli, accusing the judicial system of granting her privileges and using strongly condemnatory language to describe her.
Memorial Center aims to present Serb wartime suffering internationally
Minić emphasized that war itself represents an immense tragedy, but argued that treating victims differently based on their ethnicity is particularly disturbing.
“Why should it be a problem if we show the truth about the suffering of Serbs? We are a people who have never been on the wrong side of history,” Minić said.
He concluded that the Republika Srpska Memorial Center plays an important role in documenting wartime suffering and presenting the experiences of Serb victims to the international public.
Source: RTRS
