OSTOJIĆ: ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO LAW ON VETERANS IS PRIORITY

BANJA LUKA, JANUARY 19 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska Minister of Labour and Veteran and Disabled Persons' Protection Radan Ostojić stated that his top priority will be the adoption of amendments to the legislation governing veteran categories, as well as the continuation of assistance to persons of Serb nationality who are being prosecuted by courts for alleged war crimes.

Ostojić emphasized that the adoption of amendments to the Law on the Rights of Veterans, War Disabled Persons and Families of Fallen Soldiers should also be a priority for the Republika Srpska Government, as it provides for the allocation of BAM 100 million from the republican budget to veterans.

Among his priorities, he also cited the continuation of housing programs for veteran categories and the employment of 500 children of fallen soldiers during this year.

Ostojić said that he will primarily be present in the field and will speak directly with people in order to gain insight into the problems faced by specific categories of citizens and individuals.

He noted that he is not a party-affiliated figure and that he does not intend to engage in politics.

"My condition for accepting this position was that I continue to behave and work in the same manner as I have until now," Ostojić told reporters in Banja Luka.

He also noted that the Veterans' Organization of Republika Srpska /BORS/ had previously believed it should take part in deciding on the appointment of the line minister, but that this is the first time such a decision was made by consensus, resulting in his appointment.

Earlier today, Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minić and ministers of the Orthodox faith in the newly elected Republika Srpska Government took an oath at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Banja Luka.