DODIK: ORDER OF HONOR FOR EMELIANENKO – RECOGNITION OF HIS ACHIEVEMENTS

BANJA LUKA, SEPTEMBER 18 /SRNA/ - President Milorad Dodik said that the Order of Honor with Gold Rays awarded to renowned Russian MMA fighter Fedor Emelianenko was a gesture of fraternal appreciation for what he has accomplished, adding that he would proudly mention the award at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 29.

Dodik said that the Order of Honor with Gold Rays presented to Emelianenko in Banja Luka today was a recognition of all his achievements that are important to the Orthodox people, and that he was honoured that the Russian fighter had accepted it.

"Banja Luka is a city that has produced many world, European and Olympic champions in various sports, and the scale of your success is just one part of the treasury of achievements that we cherish," Dodik said, addressing the ceremony at which Republika Srpska President Siniša Karan presented Emelianenko with the Order of Honor.

Dodik stressed the importance of Republika Srpska having used the opportunity to honor Emelianenko in this way and to emphasise that he is important to the Serb people.

He also stressed that it was particularly important to him that Emelianenko is devoted to the Orthodox faith, and invited him to visit Republika Srpska whenever he has the time, where he would be welcomed by good people.

"We Serbs have learned from the lessons of history that, without our Church and faith, we probably would not have been able to overcome the difficult times and centuries during which attempts were made to take away our identity here," Dodik said.