OSTOJIĆ: SYMBOLS OFFENDING SERB DIGNITY SHOULD BE REMOVED

BANJA LUKA, MAY 28 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska Minister of Labor and Veterans' and Disability Protection Radan Ostojić has said today that the law on cemeteries should finally resolve the issue of monuments that offend the dignity of the Serb people and Serb victims.

"When it comes to issues like this, we must come together as a people and present a clear position", Ostojić told reporters in Banja Luka, where he attended a session of the Presidency of the Republika Srpska Veterans' Organization /BORS/. He stressed the importance of removing symbols such as the one in Modran near Derventa, as well as all other memorials in Republika Srpska that evoke the NDH /Independent State of Croatia/. Ostojić said the ministry would continue supporting the work of BORS and providing assistance to veterans and families of fallen soldiers. Speaking about the Law on Veterans' Rights, Ostojić stressed that the legislation had received support from both ruling coalition representatives in the Republika Srpska National Assembly and opposition lawmakers. "It is necessary that in the future, when it comes to general issues such as veterans and veteran categories, everyone contributes - local communities, Republika Srpska institutions, political parties and nongovernmental organizations - so we can restore dignity to those most responsible for the creation of Republika Srpska, thanks to whom we live in freedom today", Ostojić stressed. BORS Presidency Chairman Milovan Gagić said that a definitive end must be put to fascist symbols that offend the Serb people and that a draft law has been prepared and will be forwarded to the Republika Srpska National Assembly for adoption at its next session. Gagić said BORS is dissatisfied with the employment process for children of fallen soldiers, but noted that Minister Ostojić and Prime Minister Savo Minić are making efforts to address the issue, adding that those in local communities who fail to implement Republika Srpska Government decisions should be held accountable. "There are many cases in local communities where other individuals are being employed instead of children of fallen soldiers. As promised, 500 children of fallen soldiers must be employed and officials in local communities must understand that they cannot continue party-based hiring ahead of elections", Gagić said. Gagić announced that, in cooperation with the Association of Founders of Republika Srpska, an initiative would be launched and submitted to the National Assembly aimed at preserving Republika Srpska, including halting the transfer of competencies and prohibiting any tampering with Republika Srpska property.