KOŠARAC: CELEBRATING JANUARY 9 MEANS HONORING FOUNDERS AND LEGACY OF REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

ISTOČNO SARAJEVO, JANUARY 8 /SRNA/ – Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Ministers Staša Košarac said that the Day of Republika Srpska - January 9 is the most significant date in the history of the Serb people, and that Republika Srpska was established to ensure the survival of the Serb nation.

"On January 9, Republika Srpska demonstrates all its strength, but also the responsibility of remembering those who created it and laid its foundations," Košarac told SRNA. Košarac stated that the Serb people will celebrate the Day of Republika Srpska with dignity, in love, unity, and peace. "Across Republika Srpska, a series of ceremonies will be held to celebrate the sovereignty of our homeland, our identity, and our traditions," Košarac emphasized, noting that this year the Day of Republika Srpska will be marked under the slogan "The Hearth Will Live On". He explained that the hearth is a powerful symbol of community and the continuity of Republika Srpska, where the national identity, faith, language, traditions, and customs of the Serb people are preserved. "We are proud of the dignified and nationally responsible policies of President Milorad Dodik and the institutions of Republika Srpska, which continuously protect and strengthen our homeland, its constitutional capacity, and its standing," Košarac stressed. He pointed out that these policies always prioritize Republika Srpska and the improved well-being of the Serb people in the region, despite all challenges. Košarac emphasized that January 9 is a day of victory, a symbol, and a celebration of freedom, which the Serbs proudly observe this year as in previous years, and will continue to do so in the future. "Together with us, our brothers and sisters, friends, and all well-intentioned people who love Republika Srpska will celebrate. The hearth will live on! Long live Republika Srpska!" Košarac said. January 9 is celebrated as the Day of Republika Srpska, which was established on that date in 1992 under its original name, the Republic of the Serb People in BiH. It was founded by Serb deputies in the then-Assembly of BiH after they were outvoted on key issues regarding the survival of Yugoslavia, while members of the other two peoples seceded against the will of the Serbs, who held the status of a constitutive people. The name Republic of the Serb People in BiH was used until February 28, 1992, when the first constitution was proclaimed and replaced it with Serb Republic of BiH, used until August 12, 1992, when it was changed to Serb Republic. That name was replaced in September 1992 with the current Republika Srpska.