ŽUPLJANIN: UNITY IS CRUCIAL FOR PRESERVING SRPSKA

BANJA LUKA, AUGUST 25 /SRNA/ - Head of the Organisation of Republika Srpska Army Senior Officers Slobodan Župljanin told SRNA that the upcoming Veterans' Assembly in Han Pijesak will be an opportunity to send a clear message about the need for unity in preserving Republika Srpska and the values stemming from the Defensive-Patriotic War.

Župljanin said it was significant that the Assembly, to be held on Sunday, August 30, will bring together demobilized soldiers, war military invalids, families of fallen soldiers, and all those who respect the legacy and deeds of a Serb soldiers. "This is an opportunity to send a clear message that Republika Srpska must be preserved, as must those who contributed the most to the fact that we have freedom today, because the lives and limbs of our bravest and most honourable soldiers were built into the foundations of that freedom," Župljanin stressed. He emphasized that the veteran population, regardless of political differences, should be united when it comes to fundamental national interests. "Republika Srpska must establish a minimum of national interests, which are the defence of Republika Srpska and the values stemming from the Defensive-Patriotic War," Župljanin said. According to him, politickans should fight for their programmes and participation in government, but no one governing Republika Srpska must trade away its interests. "Unity is what we need most now, and we must gather around Republika Srpska in order to preserve Srpska and the freedom for which our fellow soldiers gave their lives," Župljanin stressed. He pointed out that Han Pijesak was not chosen by chance as the Assembly venue, as the area was home to the headquarters and main command of the Republika Srpska Army. He said it was therefore important to pass on to younger generations the memory of the role this area played in the Defensive-Patriotic War. Speaking about the position of veterans, Župljanin said that soldiers did not go to war for money, but the authorities keep working on improvement of their social and material standing is important. "There can always be more and better, but it is important that the Republika Srpska authorities and the Serb people think about their soldiers and that an organised system be used to make life easier for these people," Župljanin said. He says the Assembly would be an opportunity to bring together the entire veteran population and demonstrate its unity at a time when Republika Srpska is facing numerous challenges. The Assembly will be held on Sunday, August 30, at the Komnica picnic area near Han Pijesak, starting at noon. A foundation stone is also scheduled to be laid for the reconstruction of the Jela Motel near Han Pijesak, which played a decisive role in the struggle for freedom and Republika Srpska.