KALABUKHOV PRESENTS AWARD TO BUDIMIR

BANJA LUKA, DECEMBER 26 /SRNA/ - The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to BiH Igor Kalabuhov today presented a high state decoration of Russia "The Pushkin Medal" to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska Željko Budimir in Banja Luka.

This decoration is awarded by decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, for outstanding contributions to culture, the arts, education, the preservation of the Russian language and literature, as well as for strengthening cultural ties and friendship between peoples.

The ceremony, held at the headquarters of the Government of Republika Srpska, was attended by Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minić, SNSD President Milorad Dodik, numerous ministers of Republika Srpska, the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Serbia Aleksandar Vranješ, representatives of the academic community and the Serbian Orthodox Church, as well as heads of departments within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, members of Budimir`s family, and many other guests.

Statements to the media are planned following the presentation of the decoration.