DODIK: WE COMMEMORATE IMPORTANT DATES TOGETHER AND DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS

VIŠEGRAD, JUNE 7 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik said that today in Višegrad, he was together with the Prime Minister of Serbia, Đuro Macut, to commemorate important dates and discuss development prospects for both Republika Srpska and Serbia.

“We support the idea of making Serbia a strong country because, as such, it is our guarantee,” Dodik told reporters after the meeting.

He emphasized that the Serbian people are building their identity. “We have no obstacles, we are not Bosnian Serbs, we are Serbs,” Dodik said.

He said that they gathered in Višegrad to mark the first anniversary of the Declaration adopted at the All-Serbian Assembly, which is the result of the people's will.

“It is important that we are here today in a joint effort to commemorate important dates, but also to demonstrate our unity,” Dodik said.

He pointed out that Serbs on both sides of the Drina River are one people, not divided by administrative or natural barriers.

“We belong to one great, historically suffering nation, the Serbian nation; we do not offend anyone,” Dodik said, adding that the construction of Andrićgrad also reflects part of history and the future.

Dodik reiterated that today in Višegrad they are marking the anniversary of the Declaration adopted in Belgrade, which pledged a commitment to joint work.

“Much has been accomplished. All branches of government in Republika Srpska and Serbia are connected through memorandums and protocols, and everyone knows what they need to do,” Dodik said.

He emphasized that the Declaration also contains a clear commitment regarding the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, as well as a stance on the High Representative in BiH.

“We jointly stated that he has no legitimacy. It contains many things we initiated and worked on. This marks the beginning of the commemoration, and I expect we will meet again in Belgrade to review what we have accomplished and what remains to be done,” Dodik said.

Dodik emphasized that the commitments have been strengthened so that all events considered of national interest will be commemorated together.

“We were recently in Gradina, and there will also be /the commemoration of/ the Nevesinje Rifle /Nevesinje uprising/; these are pan-Serbian events. The facts show how oppressed this nation has been, yet it has survived,” Dodik said.

After the meeting, Dodik, Macut, and other officials also visited the Andrić Institute.