KOŠARAC: PEOPLE REMAIN COMMITTED TO IDEA OF REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

HAN PIJESAK, AUGUST 30 /SRNA/ - The Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations in the Council of Ministers Staša Košarac said that today's gathering of demobilized veterans in Han Pijesak demonstrates the unity of the Serb people and their identification with all the values of Republika Srpska.

"I believe that this is a tremendous strength of the Serb people in Republika Srpska," Košarac told reporters while attending the gathering.

According to him, the gathering shows that the people, primarily demobilized veterans and war invalids, but also younger generations are not giving up on the idea of Republika Srpska and are prepared, each within their own capacity, to contribute to its development and visibility.

"Republika Srpska is our state! Wherever there was no Republika Srpska, the Serb people suffered in BiH," Košarac emphasized.

He said that the institutions of Republika Srpska continuously and in various ways express their gratitude to demobilized veterans, families of fallen soldiers and war invalids.

"The politics of the institutions of Republika Srpska is patriotic, and this is demonstrated every day," Košarac said, adding the importance of standing together with one's people.

He reminded that Republika Srpska, as well as its army and police, were created in response to the pro-Bosnian policies of Alija Izetbegović and the Bosniak military and police leadership, and out of the need to defend the Serb people.

Noting that he himself took part in the war, Košarac said it was an unwavering fact that the Serb people must preserve and defend Republika Srpska and its institutions.

Mayor of Istočno Sarajevo Ljubiša Ćosić, who also attended the gathering, said that the event in Komnica near Han Pijesak demonstrates the unity that existed when Republika Srpska was being created and defended.

"This shows how prepared we are to stand behind the people who created Republika Srpska during the most difficult times," Ćosić added.

The gathering, titled "We Know Why", is attended by demobilized veterans, war invalids, families of fallen soldiers and others who respect the legacy of Serb fighters. Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minić is also attending.

As part of the gathering, a memorial service will be held for former Chief of Staff of the Army of Republika Srpska General Ratko Mladić, who died three days ago at a detention hospital in The Hague.

A foundation stone is scheduled to be laid today at the site of the former "Jela" motel for the construction of a memorial room dedicated to the Army of Republika Srpska.

During the Defensive-Patriotic War, Han Pijesak was a command center where decisions were made and implemented by the Main Staff of the Army of Republika Srpska. The first military and police parade was also held in this municipality.