DODIK: SQUARE IN BANJA LUKA SHOULD BE NAMED AFTER GENERAL MOMIR TALIĆ

BANJA LUKA, MAY 30 /SRNA/ – President Milorad Dodik proposed today that the square in Banja Luka, where the central monument to the fallen fighters of the Army of Republika Srpska is located, be named after General Momir Talić.

"I believe that would be most appropriate. I ask the Mayor and the councilors in the City Assembly to do this as soon as possible," Dodik said during the event marking 23 years since the death of the commander of the First Krajina Corps of the VRS, Colonel General Momir Talić, held in Piskavica near Banja Luka. Dodik emphasized that General Talić is a national icon and that no one can change that; rather, it can only strengthen the legacy surrounding him as a man who fought for the freedom of the Serbian people. He pointed out that Talić was part of a tandem that kept the Krajina region intact and free, ensuring that the Kozara area did not suffer an exodus as it had in past times. He stressed that many are deeply grateful to General Talić because he saved numerous people and families, ensuring that the very foundations of Republika Srpska bear his name. Dodik noted that in two years, it will be the 25th anniversary of the General's death, and suggested that the church in this hamlet should be completed. He added that if the family agrees, a crypt could be built to transfer his mortal remains, turning it into a memorial church dedicated to him and his legacy. He pointed out that a formal academy should be held there to mark the 25th anniversary of the General's passing. Dodik also stated that he would contribute to the creation of a monograph on the First Krajina Corps of the Army of Republika Srpska. He recalled that when the General was gravely ill, he told him that he had finished his journey and asked Dodik to remain and protect Republika Srpska. "I have never forgotten that. I felt obligated then, and I remain obligated today," Dodik emphasized, adding that only a successful and secure Republika Srpska can fulfill that pledge. On this occasion, Dodik also announced his intention to help the Marić family, a multi-child family living in the local area, noting that this matter would be resolved very quickly. The 23rd anniversary of the death of Colonel General Momir Talić, commander of the First Krajina Corps and Chief of the General Staff of the Army of Republika Srpska /VRS/, was marked today in Piskavica near Banja Luka. On July 26, 1991, General Momir Talić was appointed Chief of Staff of the Fifth Corps of the then-YPA /Yugoslav People's Army/, which later evolved into the First Krajina Corps. He made an exceptional contribution to the breakthrough of the Corridor, which connected the western and eastern territories of Republika Srpska. For his military merits, General Talić was awarded the Order of Nemanjić, the highest military decoration of Republika Srpska. General Momir Talić died on May 28, 2003, at the Military Medical Academy /VMA/ in Belgrade.