AWARD TO DODIK - AWARD TO ALL SRPSKA CITIZENS

ELGIN, MAY 1 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska has long been recognized, it is a factor, while the award and recognition presented to President Milorad Dodik by Judson University for courage in leadership and commitment to national sovereignty and democratic principles is an award to all Srpska and its citizens, said Ana Trišić Babić, Acting Director of the Office for International Cooperation of Republika Srpska.

She states this award finally removes stigma and rejects spin and fabricated claims. Trišić-Babić noted that the award was given personally to Dodik because his engagement for Serbs and Republika Srpska has been recognised in such a distant and significant place. “This is an important university. Here at this university, speakers and award recipients of high importance have included George Bush, Condoleezza Rice, the King of Jordan, Mikhail Gorbachev, Tony Blair. Now, among such great leaders, another great leader has joined them, for us in Republika Srpska, the greatest one - Milorad Dodik,” she said. She emphasized that the award to Dodik is significant for Republika Srpska and expressed confidence that this forum will help further present Republika Srpska and the challenges Serbs face as a Christian people in BiH. “We have long fought for something like this, we have made great sacrifices, thus this event is grand because Republika Srpska and those who fought for it must first be heard. Such things do not happen randomly or by coincidence. This is the first time President Dodik has received an award for leadership and the struggle for democracy,” Trišić-Bbaić stated. Regarding institutional cooperation, especially in the context of the work of the Office for International Cooperation of Republika Srpska and diplomatic-consular networks in the United States, Trišić-Babić told RTRS that the office is a new organisation that will focus on strategic positioning and establishing contacts. “Finally, Republika Srpska is being heard, and I hope that through the work of our office we will succeed even more in promoting it,” Trišić-Babić said. Trišić-Babić stresses that the struggle has been difficult and is not over, but that a much better and brighter period lies ahead for all who live in Republika Srpska. President Milorad Dodik received the award for courage in leadership and commitment to national sovereignty and democratic principles, presented by Judson University in Elgin, USA. The university has stated that the award is given to leaders who demonstrate determination and a willingness to stand by their convictions and firmly defend democratic values.