JELIĆ: OUR DUTY IS TO PRESERVE AND BUILD A STRONGER REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

BANJA LUKA, JANUARY 6 /SRNA/ – Petar Jelić, son of the former Republika Srpska President Milan Jelić, has stated for SRNA, on the occasion of Republic Day - January 9, that new generations must protect and develop Republika Srpska and make it as successful as possible.

"This is something that has been left to us as a legacy. We must all give our maximum so that Republika Srpska is successful and well governed. We must strive to create the best possible environment for our people and families to stay, and also to return from abroad," said Jelić, an SNSD deputy in the National Assembly. He noted that Republic Day - January 9 is a major date and holiday for every citizen of Republika Srpska, as well as a day of remembrance for all those who gave their lives in its defense. "My father, during his short life, did a great deal for Republika Srpska and the early stages of its development, and I am glad that every year around this time the Republika Srpska leadership remembers him by visiting his grave as part of the January 9 commemorative program," Jelić said. Milan Jelić was a prominent Serb politician, university professor, businessman, and sports official from Republika Srpska. He served as the sixth President of Republika Srpska and as president of both the Football Association of BiH and the Football Association of Republika Srpska. January 9 is celebrated as Republika Srpska Day because on that date in 1992 it was established under its original name, the Republic of the Serb People in BiH. Republika Srpska was founded by Serb deputies in the then Assembly of BiH after they were outvoted on key issues concerning the survival of Yugoslavia, while representatives of the other two peoples moved toward secession against the will of the Serbs, who held constituent-nation status. The name Republic of the Serb People in BiH was used until February 28, 1992, when the first Constitution was proclaimed, after which it was changed to Serb Republic of BiH. That name was used until August 12, 1992, when it was replaced by Serb Republic, which in September 1992 was changed to its current name-Republika Srpska. "The Hearth will Live on" is the slogan under which Republic Day, January 9, is being marked this year.