DODIK: DECISION TO FORM REPUBLIKA SRPSKA HISTORICAL VOW

BANJA LUKA, JANUARY 8 /SRNA/ - SNSD leader Milorad Dodik said today in Banja Luka that the decision to form Republika Srpska is a historical vow, adding that even after 34 years it remains alive, stable, and well-established.

Dodik recalled that Republika Srpska was founded in Pale and established by the National Assembly and its leaders - Radovan Karadžić, Momčilo Krajišnik, Biljana Plavšić, Nikola Koljević, and others - with the intention that it should never be something temporary or short-lived. "These visionary decisions are part of the vow of Serbian national history, because the formation of Republika Srpska was the only possible and realistic solution for BiH after the breakup of the former Yugoslavia, with the aim of attempting to reach an agreement for peaceful coexistence," Dodik told journalists after laying wreaths at the monument to fallen soldiers of the Army of Republika Srpska at the Saint Pantaleon Cemetery in Banja Luka. Dodik emphasized that the decision was made in peacetime, with the belief that political decisions would prevail, at a time when there was no talk of war, which began later. He assessed that Republika Srpska marks January 9 today under complex circumstances, noting that the Republic cannot be administratively restricted as some are attempting to do. "It is impossible to restrict the consciousness and the will of the people here to celebrate their holidays. Not even Adolf Hitler managed to do that, nor will anyone else, because it has never been possible to destroy the freedom-loving spirit of a people. We must remain united around Republic Day, because if that is taken away from us and if we submit to such foolish decisions, then we will have destroyed part of our history and crushed our future," Dodik stressed. For that reason, he added, it is important that Srpska today pays tribute to the fighters who fell for the freedom of the Serbian people and that Republika Srpska continues to be built in the way its people and leadership desire - in peace, security, and stability. "Today, despite all the challenges that sought its disappearance, Republika Srpska is alive, stable, well-established, and continues to live its good and successful life," Dodik said. The ceremonial marking of Republic Day of Republika Srpska, January 9, began today in Banja Luka with the laying of wreaths at the monument to fallen soldiers of the Army of Republika Srpska at the Saint Pantaleon Cemetery.