DODIK: LONG LIVE THE SONG THAT MADE THE PEOPLE OF KRAJINA FAMOUS WORLDWIDE

KOZARSKA DUBICA, August 18 /SRNA/ - President Milorad Dodik officially marked the beginning of the competitive festival "Ojkača Evening" tonight near the Moštanica monastery, and specially greeted the competitors who have preserved this traditional song.

"I also greet those who were not lucky enough in last night's semi-final to be on this stage tonight. This festival is gaining the significance it should have, which is to be a national gathering of Serbs and a celebration of what the Serbs of Krajina have carved out over the centuries as their reflection and response to many events," Dodik said at the opening. Dodik pointed out that this festival is an opportunity to pay tribute to the ojkača and to continue doing so in the years to come. Dodik thanked the abbot of the Moštanica monastery, Sergije, for the kindness and hospitality he shows every year. "Next year, by increasing the funding for the competition and organization itself, we will raise 'Ojkača Evening' to an even higher level to draw the attention of the Serbian people, wherever they may be, to this event," emphasized Dodik. Dodik wished the participants that the competition proceeds in supreme inspiration. "I would love it most if everyone won, but you are winners simply by the fact that you are here tonight. We will do everything to make the coming years as pleasant as possible for all competitors. Let it begin, and long live the song that has made Kozara, Krajina, and the people of Krajina famous worldwide, and provided a stamp that carries with it heroism, perseverance, but also sorrow for the lost homeland and motherland," Dodik stated. Ten ojkača singing groups from all over Republika Srpska are performing at the Festival. This year, the festival is also accompanied by a significantly larger prize fund provided by the Cabinet of the President of Republika Srpska. The first prize for the winner of the Festival is BAM 30,000, the second is BAM 20,000, and the third is BAM 10,000, along with special prizes for the finalists and the youngest participants.