During his visit to German Province of Baden-Wurttemberg, the President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović met the President of the Province Parliament Peter Straub.

Basic subject to this meeting was intensifying of economic cooperation between the Republic of Srpska and Baden-Wurttemberg that is of a mutual interest. According to this, the need to concretize previous agreements between the representatives of the Government of the Republic of Srpska and Baden-Wurttemberg has been emphasized and possibilities of cooperation in the field of energetics, agriculture and tourism have been discussed.

The President Kuzmanović said that the Republic of Srpska is open for all aspects of cooperation with Baden-Wurttemberg and he emphasized that there are favourable economic and legal conditions for foreign investments in the Republic of Srpska.

Peter Straub highlighted that the representatives of Baden-Wurttemberg are ready to offer full help and support to the institutions in the Republic of Srpska, in the fields of efficient usage of pre-accessional funds of the European Union.

The President Kuzmanović stressed that the Republic of Srpska is determined towards European integrations, but also towards protection of its status of constitutive entity in the frame of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a complex decentralized country. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Germany Mitar Kujundžić attended the meeting.

The President of the Republic visited Presidency of the Republic of Srpska in Stuttgart and he met the chief of the Presidency Mićo Ćetković and representatives of diaspora, companies, clubs and associations of our citizens from Stuttgart and its surroundings.

The President of the Republic briefed the representatives of diaspora with political and economic situation in the Republic of Srpska, its plans, priorities of its development and current reform processes. The representatives of diaspora expressed their interests for possibilities of business connection with the Republic of Srpska. They are also interested in investments and participation in privatization in the Republic of Srpska. Consul of the Republic of Serbia in Stuttgart Dobrivoje Vujičić attended the meeting.

On the occasion of the greatest Christian holiday Easter, the President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović sent congratulation to His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Pavle, metropolitans, bishops, clergy, monks and all Orthodox believers in the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"In the time packed with temptations, we need power of religion, mutual tolerance, national and religious identity and dignity more than ever. For that reason, we welcome Easter with joy and hope in the heart, as the Christ religion shows us the right way.

By traditional Christian greeting

HRISTOS VASKRSE - VAISTINU VASKRSE

I wish you all happy and blessed Easter holidays" it was stated in the congratulation of the President Kuzmanović.

The new seat of the Institution of the Republic of Srpska has been opened in Banja Luka.

The Cabinets of the Republic of Srpska Vice Presidents Adil Osmanović and Davor Čordaš and the Cabinet of the Serbian member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Nebojša Radmanović will be seated in the Street of Ban Milosavljević 4 in Banja Luka.

On the ceremonial opening, the President of the Republic Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović emphasized that bodies and institutions of the Republic worked hard in very inappropriate conditions. As the highest constitutional institution, the Institution of the President was seated in improvised and loaned premises, starting from prefabricated cabin, hotel’s premises and premises in Banski dvor, said the President Kuzmanović and he added that now it is the moment for the institution of the President of the Republic to get its own seat that would be worthy to the function of the president.

The new seat of the President of the Republic, previously known as Hypothecary Bank, has been built by the Government of Vrbas Banovina in 1936, and the reconstruction and restoration was provided by the Government of the Republic of Srpska from the programme of public investments in 2007. Its architectural size and value symbolize the truth that future belongs to those people-leaders who see possibility before others and who have the power of prediction and time ruling. For that reason, with respect and gratitude we say that both Governments- the one from the past from the time of Ban Milosavljević, as well as today`s Government of Milorad Dodik worked well and for the interests of those people. The building is our national treasure, said the President Kuzmanović.

He emphasized that everything will be done that from the Presidential Palace permanently exit good and correct solutions, thoughtful and visionary suggestions, peaceful, sincere and democratic messages to the citizens and the world. We shall therefore show that we are democratic and civil world that strongly advocates the rights and freedom of all people by respecting each other.

Today's ceremonial opening of the new seat of the institution of the President of the Republic of Srpska was attended by the Speaker to the National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska Igor Radojičić, vice-Speaker to the National Assembly Nada Tešanović, Serbian member from the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Nebojša Radmanović, Prime Minister to the Government of the Republic of Srpska Milorad Dodik, several ministers in the Government of the Republic of Srpska and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Republic of Srpska and the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, representatives of soldiers’ organizations, international and non-governmental organizations and numerous cultural and public persons.

According to the constitutional authorities and to the Law on amnesty, the President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović made a decision on amnesty for eight (8) convicted persons.

This decision will be published in the "Official Gazette of the Republic of Srpska".

President of the Republic of Srpska met the Monitoring Team of the Council of Europe

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović met the members of the Monitoring Team of the Council of Europe that was led by Council of Europe Director General of Political Affairs Jean Louis Laurens.

The President of the Republic said that the Republic of Srpska has made great efforts to fulfill all commitments that Bosnia and Herzegovina overtook after the accession to the Council of Europe and that representatives of the Republic of Srpska will continue in providing constructive contribution in the process of the Euro-Atlantic integrations.

The President Kuzmanović emphasized that the representatives of the Republic of Srpska gave a significant contribution in adopting law in the field of police structure reforms, and therefore conditions for signing the Agreement on Stabilization and Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the European Union have been created.

The President of the Republic briefed the representatives of the Council of Europe with the process of amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Srpska, whose basic intention is improvement of provisions that are related to the rights and liberties of the citizens. He also added that final version of the amendment to the Constitution will be delivered to the representatives of the Venetian Commission of the Council of Europe as well, so they could also give their opinions and comments.

The President Kuzmanović emphasized that political situation in the Republic of Srpska is stable and that it is decisive in preserving its sovereignty, as a constitutional entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and he added that a great improvement has been made in economic and social sphere in the Republic of Srpska.

The Director of the Monitoring Team Jean Louis Laurens expressed his contentment on dynamism of adoption of the Council of Europe conventions in the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina and he emphasized the importance of nominating the representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina in several commissions of the Council of Europe because places intended to them are still vacant.

On the occasion of the April 22, The Day of the City of Banja Luka, the President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović met the Mayor Dragoljub Davidović and the president of the City of Banja Luka`s Assembly Slobodan Gavranović. The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović awarded Dragoljub Davidović and Slobodan Gavranović by the Decoration of the flag of the Republic of Srpska with the golden wreath according to their merits in the postwar development of the Republic of Srpska, strengthening of peace and international cooperation and for the results and achievements that are of a great importance in the Republic of Srpska affirmation.

The President of the Republic emphasized that the City of Banja Luka, in its material, social and cultural development, has realized significant results. This is particularly important when it comes to solving existential issues of the citizens and great increase of the conditions and quality of living, opportunities of citizens` participation in the system of decision-making and executing powers, effectiveness of local government and quality of service that are offered to the citizens.

The President Kuzmanović emphasized that he is proud for the fact that Banja Luka as an open town became a significant support of the overall development of the Republic of Srpska. He therefore expressed his expectation on continuation of putting activities into effect in great projects in the economical and service infrastructure, and then in health, education and culture, that is defined by the development of the city strategy.

Number of awards and avowals that Administrative Service and the Mayor were given is the best evidence for the success of Banja Luka, said the President and he also emphasized that the biggest avowals are actually tolerance, mutual life and respects between the citizens of the biggest city in the Republic of Srpska.

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović congratulated April 22 - The Day of the City of Banja Luka to the Mayor Dragoljub Davidović and to all citizens of Banja Luka.

"Banja Luka became an attractive living place thanks to the effectiveness of local government, quality of services given to the citizens, creation of favourable working conditions and constructing of infrastructure. It became one of the leading cities in the region and numerous awards and avowals that were given to the Administrative City Service prove this as well" it was stated in congratulation of the President Kuzmanović.

President Kuzmanović organized meeting devoted to the realization and protection of children`s rights

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović organized the meeting devoted to the realization and protection of children`s rights, with special emphasis given to the issues on juvenile delinquency.

Representatives of the National Assembly and the Government of the Republic of Srpska, Republic of Srpska Ombudsman, representatives of justice, institutions and non-government organizations that deal with those issues attended the meeting.

The President Kuzmanović said that one of the aims of this meeting was that great significance and importance must be given to the issue on protection of children`s rights and he therefore emphasized that one of priorities of all bodies and institutions is actually realization of children interests and rights.

The President of the Republic of Srpska said that education, children raising and their rights in the Republic of Srpska must be approached tactfully and in that way number of juvenile perpetrators and victims of criminal offences will be decreased. He also added that he will suggest to the National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska to adopt the Law on Ombudsmen for children protection.

The President Kuzmanović emphasized that in the neighbouring countries there is an institution of Ombudsmen for protection of children and youth and that suggestion on creating of such institution in the Republic of Srpska is supported by 30 participants of today`s meeting.

The President of the Republic stated that the protection of children rights is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina and by the Convention on children rights that was signed by Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also said that the aim of today`s meeting was to encourage all institutions to work faster on solving this issue.

He also added that family, school, centres for social work, non-governmental organizations, bodies of MUP, justice and society play a great role in children`s education and protection.

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović congratulated 16th anniversary of the RTRS to the Director General of Radio and Television of the Republic of Srpska Dragan Davidović and to all people employed in this media. The President therefore wished them all success in their future work.

"By professional and objective reports, Radio and Television of the Republic of Srpska proved that it is a sincere public service of all citizens in the Republic of Srpska that has been contributing not only to the development of journalist profession but to the overall democracy of our society"- it was stated in the congratulation of the President Kuzmanović.

On the occasion of Jewish holiday Pesach, the President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović sent congratulations to Jakob Fincij, the president of Jewish community, and to all Jewish people in the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina, wishing them to celebrate this holiday in peace and happiness.

"By respecting traditional friendship of our peoples, I am convinced that we shall continue in strengthening of religious and national tolerance and relations between our peoples and citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina"- it was stated in congratulation of the President Kuzmanović.

The Organizational Board for requiem and memorial to the victims of Ustasha genocide in Donja Gradina confirmed the term for holding this manifestation- May 4, 2008.

During the meeting that was held in the Cabinet of the President of the Republic of Srpska, who is also the president to this Board, the protocol to this manifestation has also been agreed. This protocol includes the following: the Holy archpriest Liturgy in the church in Kozarska Dubica, requiem and memorial to the victims in Memorial area "Donja Gradina" and speech of the authority bodies.

It was jointly stated that preparations for this celebration, which expects a great number of the citizens to attend it, are in progress and will be terminated in arranged period.

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović visited municipalities of Kostajnica and Oštra Luka and he therefore met Mayors of these municipalities Drago Bundalo and Drena Kuridža.

During his visit to Kostajnica, the President of the Republic of Srpska emphasized the need for more serious and faster solving of the issues of confining between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia in the valley of the Una River.

We must encourage states` bodies to take series of measures and activities in their more serious and faster solving of this issue, said the President Kuzmanović, and he also added that it is not usual that the state border crosses from one to the other bank of the river for about twenty times which makes serious problems to the citizens.

After the meeting with the city of Kostajnica Mayor Drago Bundalo, the President emphasized that political willingness is now ready to solve series of open issues, economic and social as well as political ones between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia.

Solution to the problems of confining, should be accomplished by the agreement of two sides, and if it is not possible to do so, the solution should be accomplished by arbitrage, the President Kuzmanović evaluated.

The Municipality of Kostajnica Mayor Drago Bundalo expressed his contentment on the initiative of the President of Srpska, that the issue of confining in the valley of the Una River has to be put on the agenda. The President also emphasized that confining in the valley of the Una River is unjust, and especially in the area near Kostajnica, where it is not possible to access the Una River along seven kilometres of the town.

Kostajnica cannot function without 40 hectares of the land on the right bank of the Una River, because in this area the electro and sewage system have already been constructed and roundabout is about to be finished, said Bundalo.

The President of the Republic visited the municipality of Oštra Luka as well and he therefore met municipality authorities.

The President Kuzmanović evaluated that this is about a small but very prosperous municipality, that is on a good path to satisfy needs to all its residents.

We in the Republic of Srpska, and especially the Government, are determined to help, as much as possible, to the development of this area, said the President Kuzmanović and he therefore specified that series of measures have been taken in the field of education, development of physical culture, residential care of the soldiers, but that a great step must be made in the development of agriculture.

The President Kuzmanović said that he has engaged himself so that, till Spasovdan on June 5, the residents of Slatina in the municipality of Oštra Luka, will get electricity without which people have been living for 12 years already.

In Usorci, the President Kuzmanović visited the family of Mirko Mikan, the fallen soldier of the Army of the Republic of Srpska and therefore Mikan family was given material aid. He also said that this family is an excellent example of how mother with three children deals with many troubles in life.

Mayor of the municipality of Oštra Luka Drena Kuridža said that from the governmental Programme of residential care of priority soldier groups, Mikan family will receive non-repayable financial aid to terminate the house construction this year.

This year four flats will be constructed from this programme and 36 financial supports for finishing or for adaption of residential objects will be approved, said Drena Kuridža and she added that 99 families of fallen soldiers and war invalids from this municipality will be provided by houses or flats until the year of 2010.

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović met Miroslav Buličić, the Consul General to the Republic of Croatia in Banja Luka.

The President Kuzmanović said that the Republic of Srpska implemented more than 99 percent of property laws, returned the property to the prewar owners and it made conditions for safer life to all those who decided to return to the Republic of Srpska, including Croatian inhabitants as well.

The President of the Republic of Srpska emphasized that additional financial means are needed for solving returnees’ problems, for example, reconstruction of infrastructure and employment. He also added that bodies and institutions of the Republic make everything to provide those means.

The President Kuzmanović emphasized that the Republic of Srpska is interested in faster solving of the issues on the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia near Kostajnica and relations in the fields of electro-energetics.

Consul General Buličić emphasized the need that representatives of electrical industry of the Republic of Srpska and Croatia should start having a discussion on all open issues as soon as possible.

Consul General briefed the President of the Republic about the problems and priorities of Croat returnees in the Republic of Srpska, and especially about the need of electrical network construction, construction of roads and creating basic conditions for life and work.

The Republic of Croatia is interested in further strengthening of economic cooperation with economic subjects from the Republic of Srpska and it supports the construction of highways through the Republic of Srpska, especially on the section towards Okučani, the General Consul Buličić said.

It was jointly stated that all opened issues should be solved in the spirit of compromise, and by respecting mutual interests as well.

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović welcomed the adoption of the Laws related to the police structures reforms in the Representative Council of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Adopted laws are pursuant to three principles of the European Union, Mostar Declaration and attitudes and conclusions of the National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska on inevitability of preserving and functioning of the Ministry of Interior Affairs and the Police of the Republic of Srpska.

The President of the Republic expects these laws to be adopted in the Council of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly as soon as possible, because they are not opposed to the vital national interest of any constitutive peoples, but are in the interest of all peoples and citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

By laws adoption, all conditions for signing the Agreement on Stabilization and Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the European Union will be fulfilled. Therefore, it will contribute to the political stability in the state and it will open new economic opportunities and facilities that will be of a benefit to all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, believes the President Kuzmanović.

April 09
President of the Republic on the issue of the Student`s standard Law

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović decided to sign the Act of announcement of the Student`s standard Law as all constitutional and regulation procedures were respected in adopting this law. Public discussion was attended by students as well. This law agrees with the Constitution and it does not violate any rights or freedoms.

The President of the Republic, as well as students, is of the view that there are some regulations of this Law that should be more precisely formulated in the future and it would therefore eliminate all obscurities in implementing this law.

According to this, the President of the Republic addressed to the Government of the Republic of Srpska and to the Ministry Department with demand for them to follow and analyse the implementation of the Law so the President should be therefore briefed about it, and they would suggest its amendments.

The President of the Republic advocates increase of student`s standard on the Universities of the Republic of Srpska and he supports measures and activities that would contribute to the realization of the aim.

Also, the President of the Republic plans to meet the representatives of the students from the Universities in the Republic of Srpska and he would therefore discuss the studying conditions, needs and possibilities of increasing of the student`s standard. They would also discuss the effects of the Bologna Process and accession to the European Educational region in the future.

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović congratulated Filip Vujanović on the occasion of his reelection to the position of the President of the Republic of Montenegro.

"I am convinced that electing you to this responsible position, will enable continuity of political stability, economic improvement and Euro-Atlantic integrations of your country, as well as successful cooperation and good neighbourhood relations between the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro"- it was stated in the congratulation of the President Kuzmanović.

April 07
Concert of the assembly "Banjalučanke" was highly sponsored by the Republic of Srpska President

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović attended the donor concert of the assembly "Banjalučanke" that was highly sponsored by the Republic of Srpska President and it was held in Banski dvor in Banja Luka.

The President Kuzmanović emphasized that Banja Luka, the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina should be proud of the work and achievements of this assembly that, during its 30 years of existence, has won a great number of awards on prestigious domestic and international competitions.

Funds collected from this and other donor concerts will be used for adaptation and equipment of premises that were given to the assembly thanks to the understanding of Administrative Service of the City of Banja Luka.

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović met former Bulgarian President and the President of Balkan Political Club Zhelyu Zhelev.

The President of the Republic briefed Mr. Zhelev with political and economic situation in the Republic of Srpska and commitments of the representatives of the Republic of Srpska towards the European path of Bosnia and Herzegovina, regional cooperation and maintenance of Dayton status and authorities of the Republic of Srpska.

The President of Balkan Political Club emphasized the importance of improvement of aggregative relations between Balkan states and he said that this organization advocates faster accession of all Balkan states in the European Union and the NATO, which would make cooperation much alleviated.

The President of the Republic visited Veliko Tarnovo and he therefore met the mayor Rumen Rashev. During this visit, the President Kuzmanović visited the church of Saint Forty Martyrs and he laid flowers on the place where Saint Sava was buried.

The President of the Republic visited the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sofia.

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović attended the opening of the International Conference ’Towards Regional Competitevness of South East Europe’, that was organised in Sofia by The Process of Cooperation of South East Europe, Balkan Political Club and the European Commission.

The main aim of this conference, that gathered a great number of politicians, scientific and public workers from the region, is actually a discussion on regional employment strategies and developement on regional level of South East Europe as well as possibilities of cooperation between the region states related to the strengthening of regional competitevness.

The President of the Republic visited the University `Sveti Kliment Ohridski` in Sofia and he therefore met the Rector Ivan Ilchev Dimitrov. At this University, the President of the Republic held lectures on the theme ` Constitutionality and Statehood of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the light of globalistion and transition`, and he therefore emphasized that the construction of Bosnia and Herzegovina`s statehood is only possible if separate identities are fully respected, and not suppressed or denied.

By respecting international standards and principles, tolerance and non-discrimination, it is possible to realise a stable and functional political organisation of Bosnia and Herzegovina – the President Kuzmanović said.

On the occasion of April 4, the Police Day of the Ministry of Interior Affairs of the Republic of Srpska, the President of the Republic Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović met the delegation led by the Minister Stanislav Čađo and the police director Uroš Pena.

The President congratulated the Police Day and he therefore expressed his contentment on political and security situation in the Republic. He also expressed his contentment on realization of the basic functions of the members of Interior Affairs especially on the field of protection of human rights and freedoms, legal and property security of the citizens as well as with the results accomplished by the police work on the field of revealing of the perpetrators of a criminal offence, improvement of organizational, staff and material situation in the Ministry of Interior Affairs.

The President Kuzmanović expressed his expectation that the reform of police structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina will significantly contribute not only to Euro-Atlantic integrations, but also to the strengthening of citizens’ trust when the work of police is concerned.

On the suggestion of the Minister of the Interior Affairs, the President of the Republic of Srpska promoted Nijaz Smajlović the chief of the Police Department of RS MUP, in the rank of police Inspector General.

Today, the President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović met the delegation of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that is in its visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The President of the Republic of Srpska briefed the members of delegation with political and economic situation in the Republic of Srpska.

The President Kuzmanović emphasized that the Republic of Srpska, as constitutive and equal entity in the frame of Bosnia and Herzegovina, supports its European path, democratic and reform processes. According to this, it supports the adoption of the law on police structure that is a precondition for signing of the Agreement on Stabilization and Association with the European Union.

The Republic of Srpska, as devoted to its Dayton status and authorities, to its political and economic development, becomes more significant factor of stabilization in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a complex and highly decentralized state - said the President Kuzmanović.

Representatives of the Parliament of the United Kingdom emphasized that their country is interested in widening of the European Union and they supported the intentions of Bosnia and Herzegovina to become a full member of the Union.

Therefore, they expressed their expectations that the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina will adopt laws on police that are unnecessary for signing the Agreement on Stabilization and Association, as that agreement will significantly accelerate the European path of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović thinks that deputies and delegates in the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina should show full responsibility and should adopt laws related to the police reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as those issues are a precondition for signing the Agreement on Stabilization and Association with the European Union.

The President of the Republic admonishes that if those laws were not adopted they should not only slower the path towards the full membership in the European Union, but they would also cause a political crisis in the state, and before all they would slower functioning of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

To prevent the creation of a new and greater crisis, this is a decisive moment in which we should leave party interests aside and, led by general interest, these laws should be adopted. Therefore, new political and economic programmes and possibilities would be of a benefit for all peoples and citizens of this country.

Parliamentary political parties, their leaders and all those who the adoption depend on are responsible for the destiny of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its European path. They must clearly show domestic and international public that their contribution to the European future, that is a strategic interest of this country and its citizens, is actually sincerely based on principal politics and not on double standards and narrow party interests - said the President Kuzmanović.