DAČIĆ: REPUBLIC DAY AS ICON OF UNITY

BELGRADE, JANUARY 9 /SRNA/ – The Interior Minister of Serbia Ivica Dačić told SRNA that Republika Srpska Day - January 9 is one of the most important dates for the Serb people and a powerful symbol of unity and endurance in preserving identity, tradition, and national dignity.

Dačić emphasized that Republika Srpska is a lasting and undoubtable fact, established under the Dayton Peace Accords. "The unity of the Serb people on both sides of the Drina river must stand above all divisions, as it is the greatest strength in times of challenge. Serbia remains firmly by Republika Srpska, not only politically but fraternally, as a pillar and support in maintaining peace, stability, and national identity," Dačić emphasized. According to him, cooperation between Serbia and Republika Srpska, especially in the fields of security and internal affairs, represents one of the key pillars of stability and will be further strengthened in the interest of protecting all citizens. "I extend my sincere congratulations to the citizens of Republika Srpska on Republika Srpska Day, with the message that only united, harmonious, and peace-oriented can we safeguard what has been built with great sacrifice and responsibility," Dačić said. January 9 is celebrated as Republika Srpska Day because Republika Srpska was established on that date in 1992 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 the status of a constituent people. The name Republic of the Serb People in BiH was used until February 28, 1992, and the proclamation of the first Constitution, when it was replaced by the Serb Republic of BiH, which remained in use until August 12, 1992, when the name Serb Republic was introduced. That name was replaced in September 1992 with the current one – Republika Srpska.