MALI: UNITY – PEOPLE’S GREATEST STRENGTH

BELGRADE, JANUARY 8 /SRNA/ – Serbia’s Minister of Finance, Siniša Mali, congratulated all citizens of Republika Srpska on Republic Day – January 9 – stating that Serbia will always support Republika Srpska, as the Serb people’s greatest strength lies in unity.

Mali told SRNA that Republika Srpska and Serbia are strongly connected and that they will never allow their unity to weaken. “We have always been and will continue to be a reliable support and partner to Republika Srpska. We are determined in this and work diligently to continuously strengthen our relations, therefore, united and together, we are building the future,” Mali emphasized. The minister of finance noted that challenges have only strengthened and solidified the ties between Serbia and Republika Srpska. “We continue on the path of progress that will enable an even better life for all citizens of Serbia and Republika Srpska. Happy Republika Srpska Day! Long live Republika Srpska! Long live Serbia!” he stated. January 9 is celebrated as the Republika Srpska Day as it was established on that date in 1992 under its original name, the Republic of the Serb People in BiH. 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 members of the other two peoples moved toward secession against the will of the Serbs, who had 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, at which point it was replaced by the name Srpska Republika of BiH, which was used until August 12, 1992, when the name Srpska Republika was introduced. In September 1992, this was replaced by the current name – Republika Srpska.