24.10.2026.
Minister Gašić attends ceremony marking 35th anniversary of Republika Srpska National Assembly
Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended a formal ceremony today at the Cultural Centre in Pale, Republika Srpska, to mark the 35th anniversary of the founding of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska.
Speaking at the event, Minister Gašić expressed his pride at being among his people, conveying warm greetings and deep respect to the people of Republika Srpska.- I bring you the warmest brotherly greetings from a man who has truly and resolutely supported you over the past 15 years, hoping that the Lord will preserve peace for the Serbian people and support them in all their righteous and progressive endeavours. We all know how significantly Mr Aleksandar Vučić’s policy has helped reunite our nation under a single flag, driven by a strong determination to preserve our identity, jointly defend the territory where we live, grow stronger and forge ties regardless of imposed borders and administrative divides. We can all see the battles he fights today to keep our national course firmly set on economic growth and military neutrality, steering clear of unpredictability and chaos. This is his greatest battle and undertaking, and those of us who have followed his vision have a moral duty to support him today when it matters the most – the Minister of Defence said.
He emphasised that Vučić’s mission would not have been possible without a clear state-building vision.
- The resolve and courage shown by the political representatives of the Serbian people who, on this day in 1991, stepped forward to protect our national interests by establishing the Assembly of the Serbian People of Bosnia and Herzegovina, through immense subsequent struggle and sacrifice, were rewarded with the founding and recognition of the constituent elements of the government of present-day Republika Srpska. The Dayton Peace Agreement verified the territorial and political rights of the Serbian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Serbia serving as the guarantor of their preservation and implementation - Minister Gašić said.
The Minister of Defence reiterated that Serbia remains firmly committed to upholding the Dayton Agreement, and added that Belgrade would never retreat from that stance.- We have witnessed, and we still witness today, attempts to restrict and weaken Republika Srpska’s constitutional competences, and to strip our people of the rights and freedoms acquired through a just struggle and verified by international legal acts. To some people, whose names are not worth uttering tonight, our strength and unity have been a thorn in the side. In their attacks on the very existence of Republika Srpska, they have resorted to blatant lies, tricks, and stigmatisation - Minister Gašić said.
Speaking about the resilience of the Serbian people, the Minister of Defence stressed that this nation is building its future with dedication and wisdom, and that God’s justice rewards its efforts.
- The international circumstances are changing, and the world is no longer turning a blind eye or a deaf ear to what Belgrade and Banja Luka have to say. Certain actors within the international community are only now beginning to understand not just who, but what the Serbian people were up against during the civil war in these regions – the Minister of Defence noted.
He further highlighted the ongoing development and economic growth of the Republic of Serbia.
- Our defence capabilities today are incomparably greater than they were ten years ago, and they will continue to develop, not as an instrument of pressure or aggression, but strictly as a deterrent. The strength of the Serbian Armed Forces is the guarantee of the security and freedom of the Serbian people, and a shield against any intentions to impose foreign interests on us by force - Minister Gašić stressed.The Minister of Defence emphasised that Serbia would continue to strengthen its ties with Republika Srpska in the years ahead, highlighting that the well-being of Serbs in Republika Srpska was of equal importance to that of Serbs in the Republic of Serbia.
- Recognising the specific nature of the moment we live in, it is important that we demonstrate seriousness and responsibility towards our own future. It is important that we continue to defend our national interests and ensure that everything we have built is not put at risk by reckless political decisions. Behind us lies a decade and a half of tremendous effort in the fields of domestic and foreign policy, the economy, defence, and technological development - Minister Gašić emphasised.
He said that the true significance of these achievements, and their impact on the standing of the Republic of Serbia and the Serbian people, is best reflected in the reaction and the frustration of our opponents.
- Under no circumstances must we allow internal divisions to compromise our national future, or allow those who wish us ill to profit from our wrong choices and short-sighted decisions. Let us preserve our unity, for only then will divine providence be on our side - Minister Gašić concluded.
The Speaker of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, Nenad Stevandić, noted that Republika Srpska was born out of historical justice for a people that had endured all the genocides.- It was created in impossible historical circumstances. The paradox is that Republika Srpska was created at a time when we were being disputed, demonised, and when attempts were being made to destroy us and wipe us out, and when we were not allied with the West. Yet the West ultimately acknowledged that only strong, resolute nations like ours can be unbreakable and secure international recognition of their statehood - Stevandić said.
In his speech, Milorad Dodik noted that we must never forget those who built the strength and institutions of Republika Srpska. They did it with love and expertise in impossible circumstances, proving that the Assembly’s inaugural session was no random occurrence, he said.
- From day one, it was conceived as a body representing our people and was established to create all subsequent constitutions and laws, and to set up all state institutions. This was a conscious political act by a nation that fought for its freedom, that did not seek war, and that established its Republic before the war broke out - Dodik said.Addressing the audience, Stevan Medić, President of the Creators of Republika Srpska Association, recalled that 35 years ago, MPs of the first convocation of the Assembly of the Serbian People, including himself, faced the difficult task of founding a state, but met the challenge with courage, determination, and expertise.
The ceremony was attended by the President of Republika Srpska, Siniša Karan, Prime Minister Savo Minić, representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Republika Srpska ministers, members of the first convocation of the Assembly of the Serbian People of Bosnia and Herzegovina, veterans, veterans' association representatives, and numerous guests.The Assembly of the Serbian People of Bosnia and Herzegovina was established on October 24, 1991, in Sarajevo and is the predecessor of today’s National Assembly of Republika Srpska.
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