DODIK: NATO BOMBING REVEALED CRIMINAL INTENT AGAINST SERBIAN PEOPLE

BANJA LUKA, MARCH 24 /SRNA/ - SNSD leader Milorad Dodik said today that the NATO bombing of Republika Srpska and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia /FRY/ demonstrated criminal intent against one people, the Serbian people.

"That intent is clearly seen in the fact that more than 10,000 tons of bombs containing depleted uranium were dropped," Dodik told reporters in Banja Luka after a memorial service for the victims of the NATO bombing of the FRY, which began on this day 27 years ago. He said that the bombing has contributed to the occurrence of malignant diseases in many people, including those being born today. "Only villains could do that, and then call such an Operation Merciful Angel," Dodik stressed, adding that significant material damage was also inflicted. He announced that he would be in Vranje this evening, where he will address a gathering together with the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić organized to mark the Day of Remembrance of the NATO bombing of Serbia. "That criminal gang, without any basis in international law, killed many innocent children and civilians, destroyed bridges, and devastated Serbia," Dodik said. Dodik stated that the attack on Republika Srpska was aimed at militarily relieving Sarajevo and defeating the Republika Srpska Army, thereby directly interfering in the war in BiH. "Later, by undermining the Dayton Agreement, they did everything to achieve their goals, punish Republika Srpska, and subjugate the Serbian people. More than 30 years later, we have shown that we endure and survive, that we are progressing, and that this people has regained its self-confidence," Dodik stressed. He emphasized that Republika Srpska must never be abandoned and that BiH has failed, becoming a land of illusions. NATO began its aggression against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on March 24, 1999. The aggression lasted 78 days, during which thousands of soldiers and civilians were killed, and material damage amounting to tens of billions of dollars was inflicted. During the aggression, weapons prohibited by international conventions were used, including cluster bombs and depleted uranium munitions.