MAZALICA: SYMBOL OF RESISTANCE TO THE SUPPRESSION OF SERB PEOPLE’S RIGHTS IN BiH

BANJA LUKA, JANUARY 3 /SRNA/ – Head of the SNSD caucus in the Republika Srpska National Assembly, Srđan Mazalica, told SRNA that Republika Srpska Day - January 9 is a symbol of resistance to the suppression of the rights of the Serb people in BiH, the celebration of which will never be abandoned.

Mazalica emphasized that Republic Day is also a symbol of Serb identity through Saint Stephen the First Martyr and Archdeacon, who was revered by both Serb royal dynasties that ruled parts of present-day BiH - the Kotromanić and Nemanjić dynasties. "The defence of January 9 is one of the most important issues in constitutional and legal terms, but symbolically it may be the most important of all. It is therefore essential to send a message that we will never give up celebrating Republic Day. The defence of January 9 through a popular referendum represents one of the most important historical events by which our people confirmed not only their freedom-loving spirit, but also their state-building character, as well as their determination not to abandon these ideas," Mazalica said. He adds that this year as well, despite all pressures, the holiday will be marked in a dignified and ceremonial manner. January 9 is celebrated as Republika Srpska Day as it was established on that date in 1992 under its original name, the Republic of the Serb People of BiH. Republika Srpska was founded by Serb representatives in the then Assembly of BiH after they were outvoted on key issues concerning the survival of Yugoslavia, while representatives of the other two constituent peoples pursued secession contrary to the will of the Serbs, who held constituent-nation status. The name the Republic of the Serb People of BiH was used until February 28, 1992, when the first Constitution was proclaimed, after which it was changed to Srpska Republika of BiH. That name was used until August 12, 1992, when it became Srpska Republika. In September 1992, it was changed to its current name - Republika Srpska . "Living Hearth" is the slogan under which Republic Day, January 9, will be celebrated this year.