GAGIĆ URGES DIGNIFIED TRIBUTE TO GENERAL MLADIĆ ON FUNERAL DAY

BANJA LUKA, SEPTEMBER 3 /SRNA/ – The Republika Srpska Veterans' Organization /BORS/ will stand behind every individual who has expressed gratitude and condolences to the family of General Ratko Mladić and urges all citizens of Republika Srpska to show dignity on the day of his funeral and pay their respects in accordance with the traditions of the Orthodox faith, BORS Presidency Chairperson Milovan Gagić said in a statement.

Gagić said these were conclusions adopted at an extraordinary telephone session of the BORS Presidency held on Wednesday.

"We will stand by all these people when they are subjected to proceedings by prosecutors and courts. These people had no ill intentions; they simply wanted to express their gratitude and condolences to the family of General Mladić because they know that it is questionable whether we would be here today if it had not been for the Army of Republika Srpska," Gagić said at a news conference in Banja Luka.

He said the session also adopted a conclusion noting that BORS is aware of the situation in Republika Srpska and everything happening in Sarajevo, which is why it calls on all citizens of Republika Srpska, veterans and Orthodox faithful to conduct themselves appropriately on the day of General Mladić's funeral and pay dignified tribute to the commander of the Army of Republika Srpska, which defended Republika Srpska.

Gagić stressed that any potential decisions must not be allowed to cause harm, as many international actors are watching and monitoring what the officials leading Republika Srpska and local communities will do.

He called on all veterans and citizens of Republika Srpska to mourn on the day of the funeral in an appropriate manner and light candles for the repose of General Mladić's soul.

"In all of this, we must stand by one another and be aware that we can survive only if we are united. Our people will choose those whom they believe will lead Republika Srpska in the right direction," Gagić stressed.

He said the date of General Mladić's funeral has not yet been announced, adding that a large number of demobilized Army of Republika Srpska veterans have registered to attend the organized departure to the funeral.

Former commander of the Main Staff of the Army of Republika Srpska, General Ratko Mladić, died at a detention hospital in The Hague at the age of 83.