SERBS HAVE NO RIGHT TO GIVE UP MARKING REPUBLIC DAY

BANJA LUKA, JANUARY 2 /SRNA/ – SNSD President Milorad Dodik stressed that January 9 – Republic Day is a major day for the Serb people, who remain committed to marking it and have no right to give it up.

"Only this people can determine the date of the birth of the Republic. No court can do that," Dodik told reporters in Banja Luka.

He said there is almost no municipality in Republika Srpska that will not mark Republic Day through some form of appropriate activity – from kindergartens to cultural centers and business facilities.

"This shows that the day unquestionably belongs to this people and that no administrative measure can influence or change the feeling of belonging to the historical moment called January 9," Dodik said.

He emphasized that everyone working in the institutions of Republika Srpska will not give up marking Republic Day.

"There is no country in the world where someone has been imprisoned or punished simply for marking a national holiday, yet we have faced sanctions because of it," Dodik recalled.

Dodik noted that a ceremonial academy has been planned to mark Republic Day, and that the arrival of His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Porfirije in Banja Luka is expected.

He added that a liturgy will be served on January 9, followed by a traditional parade along the designated route.

Dodik stressed that preparations by police units and others who will participate in the parade are underway, inviting all citizens to attend.

"We decided to hold it during the day so that people can later devote themselves to the family celebration that many in Republika Srpska celebrate," Dodik said.

He also added that on January 8, officials of Republika Srpska will attend the opening of the central memorial in Banja Luka, dedicated to the soldiers of the Army of Republika Srpska who were killed in the Defensive-Patriotic War.