MACUT: EXISTENCE OF REPUBLIKA SRPSKA SHOULD NOT BE QUESTIONED

BELGRADE, JANUARY 8 /SRNA/ – Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut said that within BiH there should be no question of the existence of Republika Srpska, which is guaranteed by the Dayton Peace Agreement, and with which Serbia will always build traditionally established relations in all areas through special ties.

Speaking to reporters in Banja Luka, Macut said that Serbia supports Republika Srpska as an equal entity within BiH, recognized in accordance with the Dayton Agreement. "BiH consists of two entities and the Brčko District, with three constituent peoples, and Republika Srpska is recognized as one of the entities. We fully support it and continue our special parallel relations, which is a natural course, meaning that our peoples must meet, cooperate, support one another and advance relations," Macut said ahead of the ceremonial academy in Banja Luka marking January 9, the Day of the Republic. He expressed satisfaction that tribute is being paid to the fallen soldiers of Republika Srpska who fought so that Srpska can today celebrate its Day of the Republic. "The goal is to live in peace, harmony and mutual understanding with all citizens living in Republika Srpska. And the citizens of Serbia will continue to maintain brotherly and friendly relations with everyone living in Republika Srpska," Macut said. He added that Serbia supports an integral BiH with the constitutional powers that Republika Srpska has within that country. "In special relations with Republika Srpska, we will always build our traditionally established relations in all areas," Macut said, congratulating citizens on January 9, the Day of Republika Srpska. January 9 is celebrated as the Day of Republika Srpska because on that date in 1992 it was established under its original name, the Republic of the Serb People in BiH. The Republic was founded by Serb representatives 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 proceeded with secession against the will of the Serbs, who had the status of a constituent people. The name Republic of the Serbian People in BiH was used until February 28, 1992, when the first Constitution was proclaimed and the name was changed to the Serb Republic of BiH, which remained in use until August 12, 1992, when the name Serb Republic was introduced. In September 1992, this name was replaced with the current one – Republika Srpska.