DODIK: IT IS OF HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE TO MAP SITES OF MAJOR SERBIAN SUFFERING

BANJA LUKA, APRIL 18 /SRNA/ - On the occasion of commemorating the 80th anniversary of the breakout by the last group of inmates from the Jasenovac concentration camp, Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik said that it is of historical importance to map all sites of major Serbian suffering, as the culture of remembrance must be nurtured.

Dodik said that Republika Srpska, together with Serbia, is building a memorial center dedicated to the victims of Jasenovac, and emphasized that similar centers will also be established at other sites of major Serbian suffering.

"We are working with Serbia on the construction of the memorial center, and since the site is in a border area, Croatia also needs to take a position. We are still waiting for them. We intend to build this not only in Jasenovac, but also in other locations," Dodik said in an interview with Glas Srpske.

He emphasized that if Republika Srpska had not been established, the suffering endured in places like Jasenovac would likely have been forgotten, just as it was during the time of the former Yugoslavia.

"Now it is a matter for all of Republika Srpska. Jasenovac is spoken of everywhere, and always," Dodik said.

Speaking about cooperation with Serbia, Dodik noted that it has been excellent since President Aleksandar Vučić came to power, whom he supports unreservedly.

"Why would we want that to change, or for someone to come to power who denies Republika Srpska? If Srpska had Serbia against it, it would be in an extremely difficult position. That is why it should be clear why I support Vučić," Dodik emphasized.

He said that this was exactly the reason why he attended the recent rally in support of the authorities in Belgrade.

"I went there even though I wasn’t directly invited. I went to support Serbia, because I believe Serbia can only be strong if it is led by Vučić," Dodik said.