KARAN: GENERAL MLADIĆ AND OTHER BRAVE COMMANDERS DEFENDED SERB PEOPLE FROM PHYSICAL ANNIHILATION

BELGRADE, SEPTEMBER 5 /SRNA/ — Republika Srpska President Siniša Karan has stated in Belgrade today that, with the passage of time, history will put General Ratko Mladić in his rightful place, as he and other brave commanders defended the Serb people from physical extermination.

Karan said he had come to the memorial ceremony with sorrow, respect and pride to bid farewell to General Ratko Mladić on behalf of Republika Srpska and all its citizens. "General Ratko Mladić, together with other brave commanders, took command of the Republika Srpska Army immediately after the establishment of Republika Srpska, assuming leadership of our people and all those who were defending their very existence," Karan told reporters. Karan stressed that the Serb people faced the threat of physical eradication and that they had all risen to defend their ancestral homes, stressing that they had attacked no one but were simply defending their lives and homes. Karan said history, "as it does with everyone, will in time accurately place General Ratko Mladić and his role in their rightful historical context," but that "the grief and pain remain over the inhumane treatment by the Hague Mechanism." "On behalf of Republika Srpska and personally, I extend my sincere condolences to the Mladić family," Karan said. A memorial ceremony for General Ratko Mladić was held at the Army House in Belgrade, organized by the Club of Generals and Admirals of Serbia. It was attended by his family, associates and friends, as well as representatives of Serbia and Republika Srpska.