JANKOVIĆ: UNITY OF THOSE WHO DEFENDED REPUBLIKA SRPSKA NEEDED TO PRESERVE IT

HAN PIJESAK, August 30 /SRNA/ - The gathering of demobilized Army of Republika Srpska veterans should send a message of solidarity and unity among the entire veteran population that defended Republika Srpska and is now called upon to preserve it, said Željko Janković, president of the Veterans' Organisation of the Special Police Brigade of the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska.

"The message should be solidarity - the very name, gathering, solidarity and unity of the entire veteran population that defended Republika Srpska and is now expected to preserve it during these difficult times," Janković told reporters ahead of the gathering in Komnica near Han Pijesak.

He said that, particularly following the death of Republika Srpska Army General Ratko Mladić, it was evident that attacks were coming from all sides, making it important to demonstrate the unity of the veteran population.

"We want to show here, quietly, that we are capable of coming together and sending a message that we are united; that we were not united only during the war, but that we remain united today, that we are still here and that we are protecting Republika Srpska," Janković stressed.

He said the gathering was not directed against anyone, but was an opportunity for the families of fallen soldiers, war invalids and former combatants to come together.

"We are not threatening anyone. This is a gathering of the families of the fallen, war invalids and former combatants. We want to continue gathering, and we want our children and younger generations to continue doing so," Janković said.

He stressed that the sacrifice made for the creation and defense of Republika Srpska must never be forgotten.

"Let us remember all those who gave their lives for Republika Srpska," Janković said.