SRPSKA WILL CONTINUE TO MARK CANDLEMAS, REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE FBiH THINKS

BANJA LUKA, FEBRUARY 13 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska will continue to mark Candlemas as Statehood Day, and those who attempt to dispute it are in fact disputing the people's right to cherish their own history, said the Leader of the Socialist Party /SP/ Petar Đokić.

"That right is inalienable. Perhaps those in the FBiH would prefer that Cndlemas had never existed, because that would mean they would still be living under the shadow of Ottoman occupation, without awareness of freedom and statehood," Đokić stated, referring to an article in the Sarajevo-based newspaper Oslobođenje that described the marking of Candlemas in Republika Srpska as an "attack on BiH".

Đokić says Republika Srpska will continue to mark Candlemas Sretenje as it belongs to its identity, culture, and freedom, announced the SP.

He added that such writing in the federal press ignores the fact that Candlemas has a two-century tradition, that it is Serbia’s Statehood Day, and that the people in Republika Srpska accept it as part of their historical and cultural heritage.

"One cannot deny what a people carry in their very being. Candlemas is not an invention, but a date grounded in history and tradition. When a people celebrate their day, they are not attacking anyone, but affirming their existence and their values," Đokić said.

Đokić believes the disputed article is an example of unprofessionalism, an attempt to demonize Candlemas and ans attack on Serb people's culture and tradition.

"Journalism should inform and analyze, not stigmatize and demonize cultural and historical dates that are deeply rooted in the identity of a people," Đokić said.

Republika Srpska and Serbia jointly celebrate Candlemas – the Statehood Day of Serbia and the Statehood Day of Republika Srpska, which reflects the fundamental values as the foundation of Srpska's statehood, calling for unity, solidarity, and strength, emphasizing the importance of preserving and strengthening Srpska.

The First Serbian Uprising against Ottoman rule was launched on February 15, 1804, in Orašac and represents one of the most significant events in the history of Serbs.