DODIK: SERBS WERE KILLED IN CENTRAL PODRINJE FOR DEFENDING CHRISTIAN VALUES

BRATUNAC, JULY 4 /SRNA/ – SNSD Leader Milorad Dodik said that more than 3,200 Serbs were killed in the Central Podrinje and Birač region during the recent war solely because they defended their Christian values.

"I thank the adviser to the U.S. President for being here with us today and bearing witness to the suffering of Christians simply because they defended their families, homes and Christian values," Dodik said at the memorial gathering in Bratunac.

Dodik noted that each year more and more people come to Bratunac to pay tribute to the Serb victims.

"We must think about how we will build the future. However, it must be emphasized that more than 3,200 Serbs were killed here, including women, children and the elderly. No one noticed their suffering except us, while those responsible walk free and are probably now mocking this gathering and its victims," Dodik said.

He stressed that Bosniaks also suffered in this area and that he regrets every victim, but that the worst thing is when the truth is distorted.

"Our truth is that more than 3,200 Serbs were killed here, and that they were killed on the greatest Christian holidays," Dodik said.

He further stated that 8,000 Bosniaks were not killed in Srebrenica, as is being presented, recalling that the Hague Tribunal had established the number of Bosniak victims at 4,100.

Dodik added that he did not wish to offend anyone, but the figure of 8,000 Bosniak victims in Srebrenica, which had even been incorporated into the UN General Assemblym is a planetary lie.

"Republika Srpska endures because it is easy for it to defend the truth, which will spread more widely," Dodik said.

He stressed that Republika Srpska was not created to serve as a bargaining chip for anyone.

"These victims do not allow us to remain silent about the truth or to stop fighting for freedom," Dodik said.

He added that it is the responsibility of the Republika Srpska authorities to defend and strengthen Republika Srpska, and that this task is made easier thanks to Serbia's support.

"We are not allowed to have one state, while others are granted that right," Dodik said.