SRPSKA TO DEVELOP AND PRESERVE ITS ANCESTORS’ HERITAGE

BELGRADE, JANUARY 8 /SRNA/ – Prince Aleksandar Karađorđević congratulated the leadership and citizens of Republika Srpska on January 9, the Republika Srpska Day, wishing that Srpska continue to develop for the benefit of all and preserve the heritage of its illustrious Serb ancestors.

Prince Aleksandar emphasized that throughout history the Republika Srpska people have demonstrated unwavering dedication to preserving the identity, tradition, and faith, even in the most difficult times.

"By remaining faithful to the ideals of freedom, dignity, and unity bequeathed to us by our ancestors, you keep safeguarding the foundations on which Republika Srpska stands today and will stand in the future," prince Karađorđević said.

He pointed out that these are the foundations on which Serbs stand wherever they live, which are the basis laid down and preserved by Stefan Nemanja, Emperor Dušan, Prince Lazar, Karađorđe, Miloš, and all other great figures from national history who led the people and the state.

"On this important day, I wish all citizens of Republika Srpska good health, peace, and personal happiness. May Republika Srpska continue to progress and develop for the benefit of all its peoples and in preservation of the heritage of our ancestors," Aleksandar Karađorđević emphasized.

Prince Aleksandar also noted that January 9 is a reminder of the spiritual, cultural, and historical ties built over centuries that bind the Serb people.

"These ties do not depend on geography, but on mutual respect, shared values, and a deep sense of belonging, which have always connected our people on both sides of the Drina River, which is not a border but the backbone of our people," the statement reads.

January 9 is celebrated as the Republika Srpska Day as it was established on that date in 1992 under its original name, the Republic of the Serb People in BiH.

Srpska was founded by Serb deputies in the then Assembly of BiH after they were outvoted on key issues concerning the survival of Yugoslavia, while members of the other two peoples moved toward secession against the will of the Serbs, who had the status of a constituent people.

The name Republic of the Serb People in BiH was used until February 28, 1992, when the first Constitution was proclaimed, at which point it was replaced by the name Srpska Republika of BiH, which was used until August 12, 1992, when the name Srpska Republika was introduced. In September 1992, this was replaced by the current name – Republika Srpska.