DODIK: JANUARY 9 TO BE MARKED IN LINE WITH INSTITUTIONAL DECISIONS

BANJA LUKA, DECEMBER 25 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska Day, January 9, will be marked in the manner determined by the institutions, SNSD leader Milorad Dodik said.

"Republika Srpska Day will be marked the same way as last year. We look forward to holding the ceremonial academy and to the opportunity to open the Central Memorial Monument in Banja Luka and the hospital in Trebinje," Dodik said. He stated that the memorial monument dedicated to fighters killed in the Patriotic-Defensive War will be officially opened on January 8 as part of the Republika Srpska Day events. Dodik said that the memorial is dedicated to all fallen fighters, was built with the blessing of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and that the project was implemented by the Office of the President of Republika Srpska, the Government, and the City of Banja Luka. He noted that the City of Banja Luka was operationally responsible for the project, while the Cabinet of the President of Republika Srpska and the Government invested a significant share of the funds. Dodik added that a ceremonial academy will be held following the opening of the memorial as part of the Republika Srpska Day celebrations, while the hospital in Trebinje will be opened on January 5. According to him, the traditional ceremonial parade will be held in Banja Luka on January 9.