WAR MILITARY INVALIDS MARK THEIR DAY

FOČA, SEPTEMBER 10 /SRNA/ – The central ceremony marking the Day of War Military Invalids of Republika Srpska was held today in Foča. Participants stated that they are satisfied with their current status and the realization of their guaranteed rights but are calling for the harmonisation of disability benefits with the average salary in Republika Srpska.

Milomir Ećimović, the speaker of the Assembly of the Association of War Military Invalids, said that progress has been made in terms of financial support, healthcare, and housing.

"However, there's always room for improvement. As an association, we strive in our talks with the Government of Srpska and the relevant ministry to propose amendments to existing regulations and are expecting the adoption of a new law on veterans' rights. We are doing this to improve our rights – from financial support to orthopedic aids," said Ećimović.

He pointed out that their numbers are decreasing daily due to health issues resulting from war injuries and aging.

There are around 34,000 registered war military invalids in Republika Srpska. They have been exercising their rights since this day in 1993 and continue to work toward improving them.

The Foča branch of the Association has around 240 members. Its head, Dragan Milanović, expressed satisfaction with the implementation of certain rights.

“The August pension will be increased by ten percent, and the veteran allowance is now 0.5 BAM up per month for each month of service – these are rights we have fought for over many years. We insist that the disability base be aligned with the average salary from the previous year – if that happens, there would be no issues,” Milanović stated.

He emphasized the importance of continuously reminding the public of the role and contribution of the veteran population to the creation and existence of Republika Srpska.

“That is very significant, and we always emphasize our support for the current government, regardless of who represents it, because if Republika Srpska ceases to exist, we won’t exist either,” added Milanović.

Today in Foča, a memorial service was held for fallen soldiers and civilians at the Church of Saint Sava, followed by the laying of flowers at the Central Monument.

The Day of War Military Invalids of Republika Srpska was preceded by last night’s presentation of the book “Bloody Border” /Krvava granica/, authored by Dragutin Dimčevski, a participant in the Battle of Košare.

The book is a chronicle of events from the first to the last day of one of the largest battles in modern history of Serbs. In addition to the author, Second Lieutenant Petar Mišić also spoke about the book, describing it as a document that testifies to the aggression against Serbia during 1998 and 1999.

Dimčevski wrote “Bloody Border” two years ago. He says it is a collection of accurately portrayed events from the battlefield, based on the war diary he kept from April 9 to June 14, 1999 – the duration of the battle.

“I wrote this book to erect a memorial to those who gave their lives in defense of the homeland,” the author said, noting that even in 1998, there were hundreds of border incidents.

Dimčevski commanded the 53rd Border Battalion of the Army of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. He is currently preparing a second, expanded edition of the book.

The Day of War Military Invalids of Republika Srpska was established in remembrance of September 10, 1993, when the National Assembly of Republika Srpska passed the Law on the Rights of this category of veterans.