VUJIČIĆ: REPUBLIKA SRPSKA WILL PRESERVE ITS AUTONOMY

ISTOČNO SARAJEVO, JANUARY 6 /SRNA/ - SNSD MP in the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH Miroslav Vujičić told SRNA that Republika Srpska, despite all challenges, blackmail and threats from the West, remains a constant that will persist on its path of autonomy, based on the Dayton Peace Agreement.

"After 34 years, we can assess that Republika Srpska is a successful project, especially because it has withstood many irrational and unprincipled pressures from part of the international community. This is particularly evident in the unsuccessful attempt to decapitate Republika Srpska through fabricated proceedings against President Milorad Dodik," Vujičić said on the occasion of January 9, Republika Srpska Day. He emphasized that a constant struggle lies ahead to strengthen the position of Republika Srpska and protect its institutions, namely the framework of autonomy granted by the Dayton Peace Agreement. "I am not sure whether the pressure on Republika Srpska will decrease in the coming period; however, I expect changes in global affairs, with major powers focusing on other regions rather than the Balkans. This could, in a way, give us more room to protect the autonomy of Republika Srpska within Dayton BiH," Vujičić noted. January 9 is celebrated as Republika Srpska Day, marking the establishment of Republika Srpska on that date in 1992 under its original name, the Republic of the Serb People in BiH. Republika Srpska was founded by Serb MPs in the then Assembly of BiH after they were outvoted on key issues concerning the survival of Yugoslavia, while representatives of the other two constituent peoples moved toward secession against the will of the Serbs, who held the status of a constituent people. The name Republic of the Serb People in BiH was used until February 28, 1992, when the first Constitution was proclaimed and the name was changed to Serb Republic of BiH. This name was used until August 12, 1992, when it was changed to Serb Republic, which in September 1992 was replaced by the current name – Republika Srpska.