DODIK: WE EXPECT PUTIN TO ATTEND CONSECRATION OF RUSSIAN-SERB CHURCH IN BANJA LUKA

MOSCOW, MAY 13 /SRNA/ - SNSD Leader Milorad Dodik says that Republika Srpska expects Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the consecration of the Russian-Serb church in Banja Luka.

Dodik told TASS that the church is practically completed and that only the interior painting remains to be finished. "It will be a place where the Russian and Serb worlds will meet and where our brotherhood, shared history and faith will be promoted," Dodik emphasized. He recalled that the church was built according to the design of a church in the Kremlin, which they received from the Russian Orthodox Church. Dodik assessed that the recent visit to Banja Luka by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko was one of the most significant events for Republika Srpska, giving it even greater strength. He stressed that the talks were open and conducted in an atmosphere of trust. "We spoke openly about everything and did not have differing opinions on any issue," Dodik said.