DODIK: PARLIAMENT'S ROLE IN PRESERVING SRPSKA THROUGHOUT ITS 35 YEARS OF EXISTENCE DECISIVE

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 20 /SRNA/ – Milorad Dodik, Chairman of the Organising Committee for marking the Republika Srpska National Assembly's 35th anniversary, says the parliament played a decisive role in preserving Republika Srpska and maintaining its strength throughout its existence.

"The Republika Srpska National Assembly has always reflected the democratic will of the people. The most serious discussions were held and the most important decisions made in the National Assembly. This was the case not only during the Defensive-Patriotic War, but also throughout the period when we were under intense pressure from internationals," Dodik stated at a press conference in Banja Luka following a meeting of the Organising Committee. Dodik stressed that the National Assembly of Republika Srpska would soon begin developing a new constitution for Republika Srpska. "Through its institutional structure, the National Assembly will undertake an important democratic task. That is why marking the 35th anniversary is significant," Dodik said. He stated that Republika Srpska was destined to endure, adding that its strength would depend on its citizens. "That strength will be reflected in the work of the Republika Srpska parliament and all its successive convocations throughout our existence," Dodik said. Dodik said that the programme marking the 35th anniversary of the National Assembly had been finalised today. The event will take place in Pale on Saturday, October 24. "This is a historic event for the Serb people, the marking of 35 years of democracy, existence, and paying tribute to the people who conceived the idea of Republika Srpska as a democratic entity capable of enduring every challenge. We endured all the attacks we faced because the Assembly continued its steadfast work throughout that period," Dodik stressed. He emphasised that the National Assembly of Republika Srpska had been preserved as the central institution for decision-making on all major issues, including during the Defensive-Patriotic War. "This gave democratic legitimacy to the idea of Republika Srpska and prevented its enemies from gaining a strong foothold," Dodik said. He added that the functioning of the National Assembly during the Defensive-Patriotic War had been impressive. "Sessions were held throughout Republika Srpska during the war," Dodik said.