KALINIĆ: ESTABLISHMENT OF ASSEMBLY OF THE SERB PEOPLE - HISTORIC MOVE

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 22 /SRNA/ - Former Republika Srpska National Assembly Speaker Dragan Kalinić said that the establishment of the Assembly of the Serb People in BiH 35 years ago was a historic move that prevented a repeat of the tragic fate suffered by Serbs in previous wars, and pointed out that efforts should now focus on restoring the powers taken away from Republika Srpska.

"I believe that our decision at the time was historic. Perhaps we were not even aware of the weight and significance of that decision," Kalinić said while appearing on a podcast produced by the Media System of Republika Srpska, SRNA, on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the Republika Srpska National Assembly.

Kalinić also recalled efforts to modernize the work of the National Assembly during his term, including the introduction of a parliamentary gavel modelled on that used in the British Parliament, which he first used during the inauguration of Biljana Plavšić as president of Republika Srpska.

He believes the time has come to adopt a new Constitution of Republika Srpska, which should incorporate the powers granted to it under the Dayton Peace Agreement.

"What was recognized as ours in Dayton at the time of its signing should once again be incorporated into the new Constitution," Kalinić stressed.

Kalinić said that the initiative of the Creators of Republika Srpska Association envisages Banja Luka as the entity's seat and Pale as its capital.

He also highlighted the need for more efficient work by the Council of Peoples, a return to internal dialogue in BiH, and the preservation of ties with Serbia, stressing that younger generations should know how Republika Srpska came into being and how its institutions were established.

Speaking about the future of Republika Srpska, Kalinić stressed that political unity on key national issues is essential to defending its institutions, regardless of who is in power and who is in opposition.

Regarding the international situation and the influence of foreign actors in BiH, Kalinić said that international pressure would not cease, but that circumstances were different today from those during the period when high representatives made decisions that had far-reaching consequences for political life in Republika Srpska.

The new episode of SRNA's podcast, featuring former Republika Srpska National Assembly Speaker Dragan Kalinić, will be available tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. to users of SRNA's news service, as well as on social media and the agency's YouTube channel.