DODIK: CREATION OF REPUBLIKA SRPSKA ARMY AMONG MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS IN MODERN SERB HISTORY

BANJA LUKA, MAY 11 /SRNA/ - President Milorad Dodik stated that the formation of the Republika Srpska Army /RSA/ represents one of the most important decisions in the modern history of the Serb people west of the Drina River.

"At a time of the breakup of the former state, when Muslims and Croats wanted to secede BiH from Yugoslavia while ignoring the will of the Serb constituent people, amid wartime chaos and threats to the survival of the Serb people, the Republika Srpska Army emerged as an expression of the legitimate right of a people to protect their lives and homes", Dodik told SRNA ahead of tomorrow's marking of Republika Srpska Army Day, May 12.

He said that the soldiers of the RSA defended not only territory, but also the right of the Serb people to survive on their centuries-old hearths and preserve their freedom, identity and dignity.

Dodik stressed that he is proud and happy that, as a member of the National Assembly, he voted for the historic decision establishing the RSA.

"The Republika Srpska Army and Republika Srpska as a state are the historic aspiration of the Serb people, stemming from our very difficult experiences from the past, which once again loomed over us in 1992 like a dark cloud. We are witnesses to the fact that a people without its own state and army faces suffering and Golgotha. Unfortunately, we have felt this countless times ourselves and there are many examples - Jasenovac, Prebilovci, Stari Brod, Kozara, Podrinje, Sarajevo..." Dodik reminded.

Today, as numerous political and historical battles are being fought for the truth, he said it is important to clearly state that without the Republika Srpska Army there would be no Republika Srpska, and that its role in defending the people and the foundations of today's Republika Srpska remains historic and unquestionable.

"Many gave the most valuable thing they had, their lives for Republika Srpska and therefore their sacrifice obliges all generations to preserve and strengthen Republika Srpska as a permanent category and guarantor of the freedom of the Serb people", Dodik emphasized.

He said that not only on May 12, but every day, everyone must remember with special respect and gratitude all fallen and wounded soldiers, disabled war veterans and families who made the greatest sacrifice.

"Their courage and patriotism remain a lasting pledge that we must preserve Republika Srpska united, strong and dignified. It is our eternal reminder of who we are, what we are, and what we have - our Republika Srpska, created by Serb deputies on January 9, 1992, before the start of the civil war in BiH, and defended by Serb soldiers in the defensive-patriotic war", Dodik stressed.

He pointed out that abolishing the RSA was a mistake, but expressed confidence that the army lives on and that members of the Third Infantry /Republika Srpska/ Regiment will always be ready to defend the freedom of Srpska and its people and continue the glorious path of the RSA.

The Republika Srpska Army was formed on May 12, 1992, and by the end of the defensive-patriotic war had 210,000 soldiers. According to data from the Republika Srpska Center for Research of War, War Crimes and Missing Persons, 23,659 soldiers were killed.

After 14 years of existence, the RSA became part of the Armed Forces of BiH, where its military heritage and identity are preserved by the Third Infantry /Republika Srpska/ Regiment.