The Serb member and Chairman of BiH Presidency, Milorad Dodik, said today in Belgrade that Serbs in the Republic of Srpska perceived Sretenje - the Day of the Statehood of Serbia, as their national and state holiday.

- Sretenje is important because it is connected with two historical dates for Serbs, those in 1804 and 1835, the first being the date of the uprising, and the second of Serbia of that time adopting the most democratic constitution with free interpretations and liberal solutions beyond those in Europe - Dodik told reporters.

He pointed out that today Serbia had an impressive period of development, thanks to the efforts of the leadership helmed by President Aleksandar Vučić.

- We can note indisputable progress in the economic, infrastructural and social aspect every year when we mark this holiday. This is the Serbia which deserves progress, which has been waiting for a long time, which was suffering under communism, which was not managing in the best way during the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia - said Dodik.

He pointed out that today Serbia had a clear path and was a signpost and leader in many areas in the region, and in some in the world ‘such as the story about the fight against the pandemic’.

Dodik expressed gratitude and congratulated all citizens of Serbia and all Serbs on today’s Statehood Day.

- It is very important that Serbia has returned to its statehood, that the illusion of former Yugoslavias has dissipated, as they were aimed at destroying the Serbian state and national identity. Today, Serbia is doing everything without hesitation to be a developed, democratic, strong and stable community - said Dodik.

The Statehood Day was marked in Serbia today by laying of wreaths, a solemn state ceremony in Orašac, and the awarding of medals in Belgrade, in remembrance of two important events in the history of Serbia which took place on Sretenje, 15 February - the First Serbian Uprising in 1804 and proclamation of the Sretenje Constitution in 1835.

Source: SRNA