KARAN CONDEMNS BRAZEN ACT OF INSULTING SERB PEOPLE, CALLS ON AUTHORITIES TO TAKE MEASURES PRESCRIBED BY LAW

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 20 /SRNA/ - The inscription "genocidaires" on a mural depicting the Serbian tricolor in Istočno Sarajevo is a grave insult to the Serb people, its history, dignity and national identity, President of Republika Srpska Siniša Karan stressed.

In a statement to SRNA, the President of Republika Srpska strongly condemned the brazen act, which directly insults the Serb people and the feelings of citizens of Republika Srpska.

"The Serb people are freedom-loving and have endured enormous sacrifices in the most difficult periods of history in their struggle against occupation, fascism and oppression. This act of vandalism is therefore not only deeply offensive, but also an injustice to their history and victims," Karan emphasized.

He said he expected the competent institutions to establish all the circumstances surrounding the incident without delay, identify those responsible and take the measures prescribed by law.

"The Serb people do not deny anyone the right to their identity, but neither will they accept the humiliation of their name, history and freedom-loving tradition. The Serbian tricolor is a symbol of our pride, freedom and endurance, and no one's hatred can desecrate its colors through an insulting inscription," Karan stressed.

He said that peace, stability and mutual respect had no alternative, and that those whose actions sought to heighten tensions must be aware of the responsibility such conduct entailed.