KOŠARAC: DEFENSE OF SARAJEVO-ROMANIJA REGION WAS CRUCIAL TO REPUBLIKA SRPSKA’S SURVIVAL

SOKOLAC, JUNE 15 /SRNA/ – The defense of the Sarajevo-Romanija region was crucial for the survival of Republika Srpska, and the sacrifice of members of the Sarajevo-Romanija Corps remains a permanent base of its freedom and existence, Deputy Chairperson of the BiH Council of Ministers Staša Košarac said in a statement to SRNA.

"At the Novi Zejtinlik Military Memorial Cemetery tomorrow, we will pay tribute with deep respect and gratitude to the heroes of the Sarajevo-Romanija region who built their lives into the foundations of Republika Srpska. Without their heroic struggle, selfless sacrifice, and unwavering determination, there would be no Republika Srpska", Košarac said. Ahead of tomorrow's commemoration of the Day of the Defense of Serbs in the Sarajevo-Romanija region from 1992 to 1995, Košarac stated that members of the Republika Srpska Army’s Sarajevo-Romanija Corps defended their homes, children, women and elderly throughout the war against the onslaught of the so-called Army of BiH, which, he said, attacked everything Serbian. "They were aware that not only the fate of the Sarajevo-Romanija region depended on their struggle, but also the future of Republika Srpska as a whole",Košarac said. He emphasized that the Sarajevo-Romanija region was and remains a bastion of defense of the Serb people and the cradle of Republika Srpska. "Pages of courage, patriotism and suffering were written here, obliging present and future generations to preserve the truth and the memory of those who defended their homes, families and the right to live in freedom,” Košarac added. According to him, the people of the Sarajevo-Romanija region made an enormous sacrifice during the war, and it can rightfully be said that the region and its inhabitants are symbols of courage, heroism, patriotism and perseverance, but also symbols of suffering that must never be forgotten. "Their sacrifice obliges us to safeguard Republika Srpska, its institutions, freedom and the unity of the Serb people. Eternal glory to all our heroes and warriors of the Sarajevo-Romanija Corps who gave their lives for Republika Srpska. Their deeds remain a lasting covenant and a guidepost for generations to come", Košarac said. Tomorrow, the Day of the Defense of Serbs in the Sarajevo-Romanija region from 1992 to 1995 will be commemorated in Sokolac and Ravna Romanija. A memorial service for fallen soldiers will be held at the Novi Zejtinlik Military Cemetery at 11:00 a.m., followed by the laying of wreaths and flowers at 11:15 a.m. At the Monastery of St. George in Ravna Romanija, a memorial service will be held at noon, while officials' addresses and an artistic program are scheduled for 12:15 p.m.