REPUBLIC DAY - JANUARY 9, REGARDLESS OF CHALLENGES

BANJA LUKA, DECEMBER 30 /SRNA/ – SNSD President Milorad Dodik told SRNA that January 9 is Republika Srpska Day, regardless of those who seek to challenge it in various ways.

"The essence of Republika Srpska is the day of its establishment, and that is undoubtedly January 9," Dodik said.

He added that Republic Day is therefore marked on that date, regardless of attempts to dispute it.

"Nowhere in the world is anyone prohibited from marking the day of their republics and institutions, but here things have gone so far that we are being tested to see how far we can be humiliated. That is why it was necessary to rally around Republika Srpska and not allow our Republic or our self-confidence to be destroyed on that day," Dodik said.

He noted that Republika Srpska Day will be marked with a series of events, including the opening of a new hospital in Trebinje, a formal reception, a ceremonial academy and a parade.