MINIĆ: PAYING TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO LAID THEIR LIVES INTO THE FOUNDATIONS OF SRPSKA

BANJA LUKA, JANUARY 8 /SRNA/ - Prime Minister of Republika Srpska Savo Minić said that the celebration of Republic Day, January 9, is an opportunity to pay tribute to those who laid down their lives in the foundations of Srpska, without whom the Serbian people would not exist in these areas today.

"We wish, with the greatest possible reverence, to pay tribute to the fighters who gave their lives for Republika Srpska, as well as to all those who later built Srpska and had the vision and a clear goal for Republika Srpska to exist, to be strong, and to unite the Serbian people," Minić told journalists after laying wreaths at the monument to fallen soldiers of the Army of Republika Srpska at the Saint Pantaleon Cemetery in Banja Luka.

Minić emphasized that this created an opportunity for the Serbian people, as well as for other peoples living in Republika Srpska, to jointly build a peaceful future.

"We are not fighting against anyone, but we have the ability to defend ourselves. Republika Srpska was created in peace, and it will be preserved in peace," Minić noted.

He expressed satisfaction with the fact that Serbia is providing support to Republika Srpska in marking this significant date and that officials from Serbia will attend the celebration of January 9.

"Serbia and Republika Srpska breathe with one soul and one body. We are proud of that, and no one can forbid us from that, especially when it comes to remembering all those who helped the Serbian people survive in these areas," Minić said.

The ceremonial marking of Republic Day of Republika Srpska, January 9, began today in Banja Luka with the laying of wreaths at the monument to fallen soldiers of the Army of Republika Srpska at the Sveti Pantelejmon Cemetery.

Wreaths were laid by President of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska Nenad Stevandić, Serb member of the Presidency of BiH Željka Cvijanović, ministers in the Government of Republika Srpska, SNSD leader Milorad Dodik, a delegation from Serbia, and representatives of organizations stemming from the Defence and Patriotic War.

On the occasion of Republic Day, wreaths were also laid by a delegation of the Council of Peoples, representatives of Republika Srpska in the joint institutions, a delegation of the City of Banja Luka, representatives of other cities and municipalities of Republika Srpska, and members of the Third Infantry Regiment /Republika Srpska/.