KLOKIĆ: REPUBLIC DAY TO BE MARKED ABROAD SOON

BANJA LUKA, JANUARY 18 /SRNA/ – The Minister for European Integration and International Cooperation of Republika Srpska Zlatan Klokić announced that Republic Day, January 9, will traditionally be marked in other countries where the Serb people live.

"Already on February 8, the celebration is planned in Stuttgart, on February 27 in Belgrade, and at the beginning of March in Vienna. These dates confirm that Republic Day lives far beyond its borders, in the hearts of our people, wherever they may be," Klokić told SRNA. He assessed that marking Republic Day wherever Serbs live is a way to preserve identity, language, culture, and the connection with the homeland. "Wherever I go, I point out that our diaspora is a strong pillar of support for Republika Srpska. These are people who, although living far away, have never forgotten who they are and where they come from," Klokić said. He adds that such gatherings strengthen unity and send the message that Serbs are one people, regardless of borders. "Republic Day is not just a date, but a symbol of our freedom, perseverance, and the right to preserve what we have created. I am pleased that this message will be heard far from the homeland - with the same fervor and love as it was celebrated in Banja Luka and all cities across Srpska," Klokić concluded. January 9 is celebrated as Republika Srpska Day, as it was established on that date in 1992 under its original name, the Republic of the Serb People in BiH. 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 renamed into Srpska Republika of BiH, a name used until August 12, 1992, when the name Srpska Republika was introduced. In September 1992, this name was replaced by the current one – Republika Srpska. "The Hearth Will Live On" is the slogan under which Republic Day, January 9, is being marked this year.