STEVANDIĆ: SRPSKA EMERGES STRONGER DESPITE PRESSURES

BANJA LUKA, JANUARY 8 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska is growing stronger every day despite all attempts to divide it, and the marking of 34 years of its existence bears witness to that, Speaker of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska Nenad Stevandić stated for SRNA.

"Despite all attempts to divide us and impose those suitable to others, whether by foreigners or federal authorities, Republika Srpska is becoming stronger and more prosperous every day," Stevandić said, adding that Republika Srpska is becoming something that can no longer be contested.

Speaking ahead of Republika Srpska Day - January 9, Stevandić emphasized that the will to preserve Republika Srpska is always stronger and greater than the intentions of those who seek to challenge it.

"This 34th year of the existence of Republika Srpska also testifies to the fact that it is richer by another hospital, by another year of development, richer by many bridges and roads, but also richer in one great experience, that our unity and respect for Republika Srpska have no price," Stevandić stressed.

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

Republika 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 representatives 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 and the name was changed to the Serb Republic of BiH. That name remained in use until August 12, 1992, when it was replaced by Serb Republic. In September 1992, the entity adopted its current name - Republika Srpska.