ROMIĆ: TODAY WE LIVE IN KOČIĆ'S TIMES - POĆOREK REPLACED BY SCHMIDT

BANJALUKA, AUGUST 27 /SRNA/ - Adviser to the President of Republika Srpska Marko Romić and Minister of Education and Culture Željka Stojičić laid wreaths at the monument to Petar Kočić in Banjaluka today, calling on citizens to attend in large numbers the traditional "Kočić's Assembly."

Romić stressed that marking Kočić's days is more important now than ever, since instead of Austro-Hungarian occupiers who were present in Kočić's time, today there are similar figures trying to break the spirit of the people.

"We are living Kočić's times today. Unfortunately, instead of /Austro-Hungarian General/ Oskar Poćorek and the Austro-Hungarian occupiers we had back then, today we have Christian Schmidt and the like, who, just as in Kočić's time, are trying to subdue and break the people's spirit and impose their will," Romić told reporters.

He emphasized that the people of Republika Srpska are Kočić's people, their spirit is unbreakable, their faith in the homeland and the people's spirit indestructible, and they cannot be defeated.

"That is why I believe this year's 'Kočić's Assembly' must gather us in even greater numbers. By affirming Petar Kočić and the values he stood for, we will overcome the ordeals that burden us today in Srpska," Romić concluded.

Stojičić called on the citizens of Banjaluka and all regions that cherish the tradition of "Kočić's Assembly" to visit Banjaluka, Stričići, Gomionica, and all the sites hosting events over the next five days.

This evening at 19:00, Stojičić will formally open the 60th "Kočić's Assembly" in the Assembly Hall of Banski Dvor. The manifestation, which will run until August 31, will take place in Banjaluka, Stričići, and Belgrade, organized by the Government and the President of Republika Srpska.