VUKELIĆ: SERBS DEFENDED THEIR FREEDOM AND EXISTENCE IN FIGHT AGAINST GREAT POWERS

ISTOČNA ILIDŽA, SEPTEMBER 9 /SRNA/ - The Serb people are defiant and, in the most difficult moments, have risen to defend themselves even against the greatest powers, succeeding in defending their right to freedom and existence, State Secretary at Serbia’s Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veterans' and Social Affairs Nikola Vukelić said today.

Following a memorial service and requiem for the first civilian victims of NATO bombing in Srpsko Sarajevo, he pointed out that there is no record in human history of a great power such as NATO attacking a small but defiant people - the people of Republika Srpska.

"I came on behalf of the Government of Serbia to mark the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of NATO Bombing of Republika Srpska, just as on joyful occasions we mark and celebrate our holidays, January 9, Statehood Day and Serbian Unity Day," Vukelić told reporters.

He said that today they were remembering the martyrs who gave their lives to the creation of Republika Srpska.

He stressed that the Serb people had fought hard to secure their piece of freedom, which they have jealously guarded for more than 30 years, since the signing of the Dayton Agreement.

"Today, what remains for us is to be dedicated, determined and hardworking, and to build the Republic of Serbia and Republika Srpska, for everyone to make their maximum contribution so that our two republics grow stronger, and so that we are as united and connected as possible," Vukelić said.

Vice-President of the Republika Srpska Veterans' Organization /BORS/ Goran Šehovac said that NATO committed one of the greatest genocides through its aggression against Republika Srpska, because Serbs who were exposed to the bombing are still dying from the effects of depleted uranium.

"We must never forget that. This must be included in school textbooks, which BORS will also demand," Šehovac said.