KARAN: THERE WOULD BE NO STRONG SRPSKA WITHOUT HEROIC SERB ARMY

BANJA LUKA, MARCH 12 /SRNA/ – Siniša Karan stated that if there had been no heroic Serb army, there would be no strong Republika Srpska.

At the ceremony in the Kozara Barracks in Banja Luka, where the Day of the Republika Srpska Army was marked, Karan emphasized that they gathered with a deep sense of respect for those who, in the most difficult times, stood in defence of their people and Republika Srpska’s right to exist. "We remember and honour our heroes, but at the same time we confirm our lasting obligation to preserve the truth about the defensive nature of the RSA and the great sacrifice made by its members," Karan said. He stressed that the RSA was created out of the people's need to protect their survival, freedom, and institutions during a time of great suffering and uncertainty. "The lives of 26,048 heroes were built into the foundations of Republika Srpska, heroes who defended the right of the Serb people to freedom, a state, and a dignified life," Karan noted. He also expressed lasting gratitude to war invalids, families of fallen soldiers, and all those who bore the burden of the war years. "Their sacrifice obliges us to preserve Republika Srpska wisely, responsibly, and with dignity, aware that freedom was never a gift but was won through great sacrifice," he said. Karan said that the Third Infantry /Republika Srpska/ Regiment today preserves the tradition of the RSA in a dignified manner. "By preserving its glorious name, customs, patron saint day, and insignia, the members of this regiment preserve the memory of generations of soldiers who created and defended Republika Srpska," Karan noted. The obligation of all in Srpska, Karan says, is not only to remember, but also to preserve peace and create conditions for progress without giving up identity, history, and rights. "In a time of numerous challenges, political pressures, and attempts to challenge the competences of Republika Srpska, we must show wisdom, responsibility, and unity. We must continue to speak about the suffering of the Serb people and teach younger generations how costly the freedom we have today was," Karan said. The president of Republika Srpska noted that a people that loses its history risks losing its future. He stressed that it can be proudly say that Republika Srpska today has the strength to preserve its stability and institutional capacity. "That strength comes primarily from the people who believe in Srpska, respect its history, and want it to remain a place of safe and dignified life for all its citizens," Karan concluded.