WITH KARAN'S ELECTION, THE INSTITUTIONS OF REPUBLIKA SRPSKA REMAIN STABLE

BELGRADE, FEBRUARY 18 /SRNA/ - State Secretary at Serbia's Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Nikola Vukelić told SRNA that with the election of Siniša Karan as President of Republika Srpska, its institutions remain stable and that further interference by foreign actors who are not well-intentioned toward the Serbs and Republika Srpska will not be allowed.

Vukelić stated that Karan will continue the continuity of the policy of SNSD and, in general, a policy aimed at preserving Republika Srpska. He emphasized that Karan's election as president demonstrates that the Serbian people, despite all pressures, have the final say.

He pointed out that the elections in Republika Srpska were not desired but imposed and held due to circumstances caused by what he described as absolute lawlessness being carried out in BiH against the Serbian people and the abuse of interpretations of the Dayton Peace Agreement, as well as the imposed "High Representative," whom he described as entirely illegitimate.

"It is obvious that there was a major blow against Republika Srpska and that the goal was to turn it into an empty shell without any competencies, but this was avoided through wise and thoughtful policy," Vukelić said.

He added that he is particularly pleased with Republika Srpska's strong diplomatic activity in recent times and the change in atmosphere toward it.

"In that context, the election of the new President of Republika Srpska should also be viewed, as it shows that the institutions of Republika Srpska withstood that fierce external blow and that Republika Srpska has been defended," Vukelić said, joining in congratulations to Karan.

The new President of Republika Srpska Siniša Karan took the ceremonial oath yesterday in the National Assembly.