KOŠARAC: ASSEMBLY - THE MOST IMPORTANT PILLAR OF SRPSKA'S INSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION

ISTOČNO SARAJEVO, OCTOBER 24 /SRNA/ - The National Assembly of Republika Srpska is the most important pillar of the institutional protection of Republika Srpska, its competences, integrity, and constitutionally guaranteed rights, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers Staša Košarac told SRNA.

"We remember with special respect and pride the historically significant and statesmanlike decision made by the political representatives of the Serb people in 1991, who established the Assembly of the Serb People as an expression of the strong will of the Serb people and as an act of defending our legitimate national interests within the then FR BiH," Košarac said. Košarac reminded that the Assembly of the Serb People in BiH, as the precursor of today’s National Assembly of Republika Srpska, was established under complex political circumstances out of the Serb people’s need to protect their constitutional rights and equality, and to preserve their national identity, refusing to be outvoted or subordinated to the other two constituent peoples. "We are proud that President Milorad Dodik was one of the MPs who, in 1991, participated in forming the Assembly of the Serb People. Then, as now, his clear and steadfast political vision has been the unity of the Serb people in defending and preserving Republika Srpska," Košarac said. According to him, all convocations of the National Assembly have operated steadily and successfully crafted policies that contributed to the development and strengthening of Republika Srpska. "I am grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to that goal as a member of the sixth convocation of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska," Košarac said. He emphasized that the National Assembly today operates under circumstances similar to those at the time of its founding. "Today, we also face impositions, challenges, being outvoted, and the undermining of the legal system and constitutional order. The National Assembly provides an appropriate response to all these challenges, demonstrating its democratic capacity while consistently protecting the interests of Republika Srpska and all its citizens," Košarac said. He noted that important decisions lie ahead for Republika Srpska, and the National Assembly plays a crucial role in this. "That is why it is essential for us to rally around the National Assembly and, together in unity, overcome all obstacles for the benefit of Republika Srpska and all its citizens," Košarac said. The National Assembly of Republika Srpska, the highest legislative and representative body, was established on October 24, 1991, as the Assembly of the Serb People in BiH. The decision was made by MPs elected in the autumn 1990 elections.