DODIK: IMMEASURABLE GRIEF OF MOTHERS WHO LOST THEIR SONS IN WAR

BANJA LUKA, MAY 25 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik emphasized today in Stričići outside Banja Luka that the grief of mothers who lost their children in the Defensive -Patriotic War is immeasurable, and that he wanted to be with Ljeposava Savanović today, a mother who lost two sons in the war, while a third died as a consequence of the war.

Dodik visited Ljeposava today on her 100th birthday, stating that this heroic mother found the strength to carry on living, even though her sorrow is immense. “The war took many lives, but when a mother loses her sons, that grief is truly immeasurable and only they truly understand it,” Dodik told the press. He stressed the importance of asking whether society has done enough, or given enough, to these families. “This question will remain with all of us who holds these positions. We have tried, within the means of the Republic, to be present, to care for individual families as well as for organisations. I believe we maintain a good dialogue with the representatives of various associations formed from the Defensive -Patriotic War,” Dodik said. He announced that Republika Srpska, through the newly established Memorial Centre, will permanently preserve the testimonies of all suffering endured by Serb families during the war. “I thank the project carriers, who the government of Republika Srpska will fully support. As president, I will personally serve as patron of these activities,” said Dodik. He emphasized that efforts must be made to ensure that this era, though tragic but admirable, is recorded, because it was also a time that brought Republika Srpska to the Serb people. “It is a time that leaves Republika Srpska with no choice but to remain focused on its status and the defence of the values for which so many gave their lives, including the two sons of this family,” Dodik concluded.