The Republic of Srpska Representative Office in the Republic of Austria organized a formal reception in Vienna last evening on the occasion of 28 February – the day of promulgation of the first Constitution of the Republic of Srpska.

The reception took place in the Albert Hall in Vienna, and gathered representatives of institutions from the Republic of Srpska and Serbia, diplomatic corps, representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and leadership of Serbian clubs and associations in Austria, as well as other distinguished guests.

The attendees were addressed by the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska, Nenad Stevandić, minister without portfolio in charge of coordinating activities and measures in the field of relations between the Republic of Serbia and the diaspora, Đorđe Milićević, and head of the Republic of Srpska Representation in the Republic of Austria, Mladen Filipović.

Stevandić said that the Republic of Srpska was a catalyst for accelerating EU accession with its political, ethical and cultural values and approach, not an obstacle, adding that Srpska’s institutions supported BiH’s European path, because EU accession would be of manifold significance for the stability of both Europe and Balkan area in particular.

– The Republic of Srpska does not intend to destroy its identity, constitutional capacity and democratic society, but to incorporate it in the European agenda. The Constitution of BiH, that is, the Dayton Agreement, enables this by stipulating clearly that decisions may not be made without the consent of the peoples and Entities in BiH – said Stevandić.

The head of the Republic of Srpska Representation in the Republic of Austria, Mladen Filipović, noted the importance of marking significant dates for the Serbian people outside Srpska’s borders, as well as the importance of fostering the ideas of unity and cooperation among the large Serbian community in Austria.

He said it was important to send a message of unity from Vienna and to say that nurturing the identity, tradition and culture of Srpska would continue, while supporting peace and stability.

– Today, here in Vienna, we proudly celebrate the day of adoption of the first Constitution of the Republic of Srpska, and it is very important that we do it together. The presidents of Serbia and Srpska, Aleksandar Vučić and Milorad Dodik, introduced the practice of joint marking of significant dates. I believe everyone understands why that is important and why we must persevere in it. Serbs and Serbian lands have always been only as strong as they are united. Those four firesteels or four letters S on our coat of arms and the cap worn by our ancestors for centuries are a clear testament we must keep – Milićević said.

The reception opened with the anthems of the Republic of Srpska, the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Austria, performed by the Police Orchestra of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Srpska.

The ceremony was also attended by BiH Ambassador to Austria, Siniša Bencun, high officials of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, and diplomatic representatives from Russia, Belarus, the Czech Republic, Kazakhstan and Spain.

Humanitarian Action

A formal reception launched a humanitarian action titled Each Serb - a Euro per Month to help Serbian children and youth in Kosovo and Metohija. The President of the Banja Luka-based Committee for Aid to Kosovo and Metohija, Milorad Arlov, met with officials from Srpska and presidents of Serbian associations and clubs at the Association of Serbs in Austria. ‘First donations are expected soon, and they will be intended for children and youth with developmental disabilities, clients of the Podrži me – 9 January Day Center in Kosovska Mitrovica. After that, they will be directed to large projects of our Committee for Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija and their survival in the southern Serbian province,’ said Arlov.

Large Support

Arlov thanked the Serbian diaspora in Austria and the Head of the Republic of Srpska Representative Office in the Republic of Austria, Filipović, for the unified and large support to the Committee’s humane project intended for Serbian children and families, especially for children and youth with developmental difficulties, and completion of equipping the Podrži me – 9 January Day Center in Kosovska Mitrovica. ‘We believe that many will involve in this great project, and we invite other Serbian organizations in the diaspora to join the Serbian diaspora of Austria,’ said Arlov.

Source: Republic of Srpska Representative Office in the Republic of Austria –RTRS – Vesti online

Photo: Republic of Srpska Representative Office in the Republic of Austria