BOOK "RIGHT TO EXISTENCE" PROMOTED

BANJA LUKA, JANUARY 15 /SRNA/ - The book "Right to Existence - Collection of Papers on the History of Republika Srpska," published by the Public Institution Službeni glasnik, was promoted tonight at the National Theatre of Republika Srpska.

Editor Predrag Lozo emphasized that this is a collection of 20 papers on the creation of Republika Srpska, stating that it is important to nurture the memory of historical experience and that the struggle for the past is crucial and necessary in the current geopolitical context.

"The role of the Army of Republika Srpska, which made the greatest sacrifice for the defense of Republika Srpska, is important, as all declarations would have been in vain had it not been for the sacrifice of the people's army that defended their homes," said Lozo.

Acting Director of Službeni glasnik Miloš Lukić emphasized that he is proud of this edition, adding that it is a comprehensive overview of what preceded the creation of Republika Srpska.

"It is important that we also covered the topic of the Republic of Serb Krajina, which we treat as a domestic topic in all our editions, and in the past period, we have worked extensively on publishing activities, of which we are proud, as we have revived publishing and offered the audience something interesting, specifically covering themes related to the creation of Republika Srpska," said Lukić.

Professor Draga Mastilović from the Institute of Historical Sciences of the University of East Sarajevo stated that this is a significant work, noting that it is important for Republic institutions, such as Službeni glasnik, to work in the interest of history and topics related to the creation of Republika Srpska.

"I researched the role of the Hague Tribunal, where there are many forged documents with a clear intention to show an alleged plan of aggression against BiH, and documents concerning certain plans caught my attention, which later proved to be untrue, yet spoke of the plans of the Serbs," said Mastilović.

Milan Gulić from the Institute for Contemporary History in Belgrade said it was an honor for his work to find a place in the collection, reflecting on the fate of the Republic of Serb Krajina.

"Republika Srpska and the Republic of Serb Krajina were created out of the need to prevent a repetition of the genocide from the NDH, but also so that the Serb people could survive on their hearths," said Gulić.

Doctor Nikola Ožegović from the University of Banja Luka pointed out that the "Collection" establishes the historiography of Republika Srpska, stating that his work was focused on media reporting before and during the establishment of Republika Srpska.

"It was very moving while I was reading the media headlines, as from January 9, when the Republic of the Serb People was proclaimed, it was clear how everything would look, and I worked on the Croat, Muslim, and Serb perspectives leading up to deeper analyses, since crisis and pre-war times are a special experience," Ožegović pointed out at the promotion.

On this day in 1992, the first issue of the Official Gazette of Republika Srpska was published, and Acting Director Miloš Lukić stated that in the coming period, publishing will be dedicated to Republika Srpska, freedom, and national themes.