BLAGOJEVICH: MY HEART IS FULL, I FEEL MANY OF YOU ARE CLOSE TO ME

GACKO, JUNE 25 /SRNA/ - Former governor of the US state of Illinois Rod Blagojevich has said today that he is very happy to have visited Gacko, where he has many relatives, and announced that he will return with his wife and two daughters.

"My heart is full," Blagojevich told the press in Gacko, where many residents welcomed him outside the Holy Trinity Church with a cultural programme in his honour, including traditional Serb kolo dancing and songs accompanied by the gusle.

After visiting the church and speaking with the municipal leadership, Blagojevich said the visit to Gacko was deeply emotional for him, as his grandparents came from there.

"I'm glad I met many relatives here today, and I feel many of you are close to me," said Blagojevich, who is a close associate of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Blagojevich, who made a donation to the local clergy for the completion and painting of the church interior, said he would work with the Serb community in Chicago to help complete the finishing work on this holy site.

He has emphasized that he plans to return to Gacko and noted that one of his daughters is particularly interested in her roots and the Govedarica family, from which Blagojevich's mother descends.

Blagojevich, who spent a lot of time talking and taking photos with relatives in front of the church in Gacko, said he believes his ancestors would be proud of his visit to the municipality in Republika Srpska, where he also visited the village of Miholjače, his mother Mila's place of origin.

He added that he really enjoyed the traditional Serb kolo and the gusle performance that welcomed him at the church.

The head of the municipality, Vukota Govedarica, said he was very happy and honoured that Rod Blagojevich visited Gacko, noting they are also related.

"Welcome, cousin, to our small but great Gacko in many ways," said Govedarica, adding that Blagojevich is one of the better-known figures on the U.S. socio-political scene.

Milja Šarović from Gacko, who was among the townspeople who welcomed Blagojevich, said she was very glad he came to visit, as he has many relatives there, including members of the Govedarica and Šarović families.

A warm ceremonial welcome was organised for Blagojevich in the square in front of the new Holy Trinity Church, where he was greeted by the municipal leadership, clergy, and many residents.

Blagojević arrived in Republika Srpska on Sunday, July 22, at the invitation of President Milorad Dodik.

In the past few days, he has met with top officials of Republika Srpska, to whom he expressed strong support.