July 30
President Kuzmanović congratulated 65th Anniversary of "Glas Srpske"

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr.Rajko Kuzmanović congratulated 65th anniversary to Boris Dmitrašinović and to all people employed in the "Glas Srpske"and therefore wished them a lot of success in their future work.

"Glas Srpske" is a newspaper with long and respectable tradition that gained readers` trust thanks to its professional, objective and timely informing.

"I am convinced that with present staff and technical capacities "Glas Srpske" can respond to the demands of contemporary journalism and graphical design and for that reason there is a secure future awaiting your newspaper", it was stated in the congratulation of the President Kuzmanović.

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović sends a message that all people who are accused of war crimes, as well as detained Radovan Karadžić, must be bring to the organs of justice who are competent to determine someone`s individual either guilt or innocence.

Principal attitude of the Republic of Srpska is that all people who are accused must be bring to the trial, regardless of their nationality or their position and that is the reason why we expect from the Hague Tribunal and domestic organs of justice to insist on arrest and processing of all people who are responsible for crimes committed over Serbs and then trust of Serbian people would be brought back to those institutions, and justice would be completely fulfilled.

The President Kuzmanović is of an opinion that the arrest of Radovan Karadžić clearly confirms the statements of the Republic of Srpska representatives that he was not situated on the territory of the Republic of Srpska. For that reason we expect reduction of pressure on the organs and institutions of the Republic of Srspka and at the same time of the Republic of Serbia.

At the same time, the President Kuzmanović sees statements of some politicians from Sarajevo as malicious and tendentious because they try to use this arrest of Radovan Karažić to question the position and the status of the Republic of Srpska as a permanent constitutional category in the frame of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Republic of Srpska, as a constitutional unit in the frame of Bosnia and Herzegovina, arose by the will of Serbian people and legal and legitimate acts of its institutions and that was confirmed by the Dayton Peace Accord which is an agreement of international legal power.

For that reason the President of the Republic sends a message to the citizens to stay calm because position and authorities of the Republic, after this arrest, will not and cannot be questioned by anyone.

July 14
President of the Republic presented orders for five persons

On the occasion of Vidovdan, Patron Saint`s Day of the Army of the Republic of Srpska and the celebration of anniversary of homeland wars, the President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović presented orders to the following people:

Branislav Dukić president of the Alliance of detainees of the Republic of Srpska and to Gojko Knežević president of the association of former detainees from the Second World War by the Orders of Honour with golden rays for their efforts in affirmation of human rights and tolerance between peoples, rule of law and freedom as well as for their contribution in strengthening of the Republic of Srpska`s reputation;

Risto Masleša, retired worker of the Railroads of the Republic of Srpska by the Order of Miloš Obilić, for his personal bravery and self-sacrifice by saving peoples` lives and material goods in dangerous situations;

Smilja and Milan Vidović, humanists who donated organs of their son who lost his life in the car accident, by the Order of the Cross of Charity for special merits in humanity and sacrifice in special situations of saving human lives.

Austrian writer Peter Handke, who was decorated by the Order of Njegoš of the first class, for his work and merits for cultural and spiritual development as well as for special merits on the field of public activities that contribute to the general development of the Republic of Srpska, was not able to attend the solemn presenting of the Orders and will be presented afterwards.

By presenting orders, the President Kuzmanović emphasized that the decision that those persons should be given awards represents the act of gratitude, regards and respect of the institutions and citizens of the Republic of Srpska and therefore added that their acts should be examples and encouragement of how to act in accordance with moral and ethical principles and rules of humanity in difficult moments and temptations that life places before us.

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović decisively rejects all statements from the letter of the Chair to the BiH Presidency Haris Silajdžić that was sent to the High Representative with demand to take measures against the Republic of Srpska for supposed separatist activities.

This letter that is based on false, malicious and blanket statements represents only a continuation of Silajdžić’s instigated and political rhetoric directed against the Dayton Peace Accord, the Republic of Srpska`s position and competence within the constitutional organization of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

War leader, Haris Silajdžić, still lives in the atmosphere of war conflicts, unrealized fundamental aims proclaimed by "Islamic declaration" and unconstitutional and illegitimate decisions of prewar Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina that discriminated Serbian people. Such politics surely leads to causing new national and religious conflicts. His retrograde activities obviously exceed aims of pre-election campaign, showing his indifference and disability to deal with problems of the citizens of this country. Such Silajdžić’s and like-minded persons politics cannot disturb an accomplished stability of the Republic of Srpska whose citizens and politicians realized long time ago that their final aim is actually unitary Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as over voting of Serbian people.

In the previous period, the Republic of Srpska, as more stable and better arranged part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has shown its devotion to the rule of law and to economic and social development. The crown of such politics is mirrored by constructive approach on the path towards the European Integration that has led to the signing of the Agreement on Stabilization and Association with the European Union.

Although claiming that in Bosnia and Herzegovina a positive atmosphere has been created after the signing of the Agreement on Stabilization and Association with the European Union, Silajdžić’s letter has been inspired with the unrealized war aims and it represents an attempt of violation of such atmosphere.

We decisively send a message that Bosnia and Herzegovina is only possible as a complex state community based on the Dayton Peace Accord, by preserving equality of the Republic of Srpska that in the existing frames independently deals with its constituent, legislative, execution and court functions.

President of the Republic met Klaus Wendelberger on his farewell visit

Today, the President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović met Klaus Wendelberger, head of the Embassy of the Republic of Germany, on his farewell visit.

The President of the Republic thanked Klaus Wendelberger on his efforts and engagement and therefore wished him personal and professional success in his future work.

The President Kuzmanović emphasized that the Republic of Srpska is a stable factor in Bosnia and Herzegovina and that it is clearly determined towards economic and social development.

In the future, Bosnia and Herzegovina can function and become a member of the European Union only as a complex country with functional state institutions where competences of the entity cannot be devaluated and where all three constitutive peoples will be equal and at the same time they will be respected together with their differences, and would keep their own identity, it was emphasized by the President Kuzmanović.

At the same time, the President Kuzmanović stressed the importance of respect and protection of the Dayton Peace Accord as a permanent basis for constitutional reforms that must be preceded by settlement of a complex arrangement of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Head of the German Embassy Office Klaus Wendelberger emphasized that after two years of work he will have good memories related to the people in the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina, but he also stressed that the basis of success and development of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a young country, is development of its own economy.

July 08
President of the Republic of Srpska sent congratulations to the newly elected Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia

President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović sent congratulations to the newly elected Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia Mirko Cvetković.

"I am convinced that you will lead a consistent and responsible politics that will preserve national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, political stability and economic improvement of Serbia. I expect that, according to the Agreement on Special and Parallel Relations of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, we shall continue our successful cooperation and strengthening of aggregative relations that are of a benefit of all citizens and peoples of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia", it was stated in the congratulation of the President Kuzmanović.

July 05
President Kuzmanović attended the ceremony of 66th anniversary of the Battle at Kozara

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr.Rajko Kuzmanović attended the ceremony of 66th anniversary of the Battle on Kozara and therefore laid wreaths at Memorial zone in Mrakovica.

The President of the Republic said to the present people that Kozara is a symbol of victory over the power of darkness and dementia and it is not only the date or the page in history. Kozara is a moral and civil duty which does not allow victims of the National Liberation War, as well as the victims of the recent war, ever to be forgotten.

Preserving the Republic of Srpska in the frame of constitutional system of Bosnia and Herzegovina is an oath and debt to those who gave their lives for the Republic of Srpska basement, said the President Kuzmanović and therefore emphasized that the Republic of Srpska is turned towards peace, tolerance and future in the family of European peoples.

President Kuzmanović attended the scientific gathering "Contemporary materials"

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović attended the scientific gathering "Contemporary materials" that was held in Banja Luka and was organized by the Academy of Science and Arts and sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology in the Government of the Republic of Srpska.

The President Kuzmanović said that science must be an actuating power and that nothing can be left to improvisation or voluntarism.

Today, we surely show the way towards which the development in the Republic of Srpska must be directed on the basis of science and technological achievements, said the President Kuzmanović and therefore added that this scientific gathering shows that the Republic of Srpska is entering one new phase of technologies and that the Academy wishes to present that accomplishment.

At the scientific gathering in Banja Luka that was attended by 80 participants from the Republic of Srpska, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia, 49 scientific works have been presented and all of them will be published in the Collection of works.

Today, the President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović met Tomas Pojar, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. During the meeting, the President of the Republic of Srpska emphasized that the Republic of Srpska has given a great contribution on the path of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards the European Union and that it will further support the processes of reforms, by mutual respect, dialogue and compromise of all relevant authority bodies by respecting the Dayton`s Agreement and Constitutions of the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The President Kuzmanović briefed Mr. Pojar with economic potentials of the Republic of Srpska and therefore thanked Czech Republic for previous support related to the realization of developing projects in the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The President Kuzmanović supported the project "New power plant of the Republic of Srpska" Gacko with CEZ Company, and therefore emphasized relative slowness in the realization of this project. The President also suggested accelerating preparations for the "New power plant of the Republic of Srpska" to start with its work as soon as possible. During the meeting, it was jointly stated that there is a good economic cooperation of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Czech Republic, and that there are conditions as well as needs for its improvement, because in the Republic of Srpska a favourable ambience for foreign investments has been created. The President of the Republic especially thanked for the support of the Czech Government when it comes to the programme of students` scholarship in the Czech Republic.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic Tomas Pojar greeted the signing of the Agreement on Stabilization and Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the European Union and therefore emphasized that his country will continue in offering support to the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path towards the Euro-Atlantic Integration.

July 01
President of the Republic gave lecture in Treviso

In Treviso, the President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović gave lecture with the following subject: "CONSTITUTIONALITY AND STATEHOOD OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA AND THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA IN THE CONDITIONS OF GLOBALIZATION AND TRANSITION". In his lecture, the President pointed out that the present moment in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be marked as the entrance into the European and Brussels’ phase of development, as a continuation of the Dayton phase. This mark of the entrance into the new phase comprises of the Agreement on Stabilization and Association with the European Union, said the President Kuzmanović on his lecture that was attended by officials, scientific workers and economists from Treviso.

This agreement shows that Bosnia and Herzegovina is mature for its path towards Europe and that it should continue with fulfilling of conditions, especially those related to the harmonization of legislation with the legal heritage of the European Union, said the President Kuzmanović and therefore added that the Republic of Srpska has created conditions for secure investments of foreign capital and that it is determined and ready to provide all conditions to fulfill the tasks of the European Union. The Republic of Srpska only strengthens Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a complex and decentralized country and it never disintegrates it. But at the same time, Bosnia and Herzegovina must respect the Dayton`s Republic of Srpska, said the President Kuzmanović.

For that reason, it is inevitable that all people realize that constitutional changes cannot revive the idea of unitary Bosnia and Herzegovina with the domination of the largest nation. Only, greater degree of functioning of institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and realization of the rights of constitutive peoples especially in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina can be offered, said the President Kuzmanović.

In Venice, the President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović met the delegation of the Region of Veneto led by the Minister Flavio Silvestrena and the Mayor of Venice Massimo Cacciari. The basic issue discussed was possibility of improvement of all aspects of cooperation of Venice, Region of Veneto and the Republic of Srpska with a special emphasis for the forthcoming signing of the Agreement of cooperation between the Region of Veneto and the Republic of Srpska that is scheduled for September this year.

Signing of this Agreement should provide better cooperation in the fields of trade and economy, science and technical fields, as well as in the fields of culture. Italian officials said that the signing of this Agreement is the best evidence that economists of this region are interested for investments in the Republic of Srpska and the continuation of already started economic cooperation of this part of Italy and the Republic of Srpska.

This region offered support that would help Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Republic of Srpska, to become a full member of the European Union as soon as possible. The President Kuzmanović said that the Republic of Srpska has become a member of the Assembly of European Regions and it has created a favourable economic and legal ambience for foreign investments. It has also simplified its administrative procedures that are also a good basis for faster realization of the activities provided by this Agreement.

During the meeting, possibilities of students exchange and exchange of scientific workers have been discussed. Cooperation in the fields of culture, science and education as well as possibilities of simplifying and acceleration of the process of validation of diplomas of professionals who graduated from the universities in the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina have been discussed as well.

During the visit to Italy, the President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović met the representatives of the Serbian Church Board in Vicenza and the members of the Serbian cultural and artistic association `Sloga`. On this occasion, the President of the Republic presented plaquettes of Saint Stefan as well as 20 sets of schoolbooks for primary school.

In Vicenza, the President of the Republic attended the Liturgy and requiem to the victims of the Battle of Kosovo and to the fallen soldiers of the Army of the Republic of Srpska who died during the breakage of the `Corridor of Life`.

The President Kuzmanović attended the ceremony of Vidovdan in Bassano del Grappa and therefore emphasized that Serbs in Italy have not forgotten their ancestry and history, and have at the same time achieved a great respect in Italian society by their own work and efforts.

The President Kuzmanović said that the Republic of Srpska is interested for strengthening of relations with Diaspora, by including great Serbian community in Northern Italy. The President therefore added that strengthening of such relations would be of a mutual benefit. Serbs who live in this country, can significantly contribute to the widening of cooperation of the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy, especially in the North Italian region, said the President Kuzmanović.

The President of the Republic met the President of the Province of Vicenza, Attilio Schneck and therefore discussed possibilities of strengthening of cultural and economic cooperation between this Province and the Republic of Srpska. The President Kuzmanović said that the Republic of Srpska has created a favourable ambience for foreign investments and therefore invited economists from this region to invest in the Republic of Srpska.

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović congratulated Vidovdan, the Saint Patron`s Day of the Army of the Republic of Srpska and 3rd Infantry regiment to all officers, noncommissioned officers and soldiers.

"The army of the Republic of Srpska gave its priceless contribution in maintaining and survival of the Serbian people and its tradition during the previous fatherland`s war. Together, we all have a great honour and responsibility to maintain heritage of the Army of the Republic of Srpska. With great respect and pietism, we should remember fallen soldiers and civilians who gave their lives for the Republic of Srpska", it was stated in congratulation of the Republic of Srpska President.

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović met the Ambassador of Germany to Bosnia and Herzegovina Michael Schmunk on his farewell visit.

The President of the Republic thanked to the Ambassador of Germany for his efforts and intercession to give a full support to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path towards the European Union. Therefore, the President wished him professional and personal success in the future work.

The President Kuzmanović emphasized full devotion of the Republic of Srpska in its economic and social development, in establishing cooperation in the field of science, education and culture on the path towards the European Integration, as well as good cooperation that has already been established with the German province Badden Virtemberg.

The President of the Republic especially emphasized institutional and administrative readiness of the Republic of Srpska for implementation of the Agreement on Stabilization and Association with the European Union.

At the same time, the President Kuzmanović pointed out the necessity of dialogues and compromise between three constitutive peoples who live in both entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as the importance of preserving the Dayton Peace Accord where all main principles, which should be followed in the process of eventual constitutional reforms, are included.

The Ambassador of Germany expressed his contentment for the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina signed the Agreement on Stabilization and Association with the European Union, and therefore expressed his certainty that in the future he will be interested in the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well.

President of the Republic met the Ambassador of Japan to Bosnia and Herzegovina Futao Mutai

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović met the Ambassador of Japan to Bosnia and Herzegovina Futao Mutai.

During the meeting, the President of the Republic emphasized the necessity of respect and protection of the Dayton Peace Accord as well as the need for constitutional reforms that will follow the principles included in this Agreement, by maintaining the authorities and territorial integrity of the Republic of Srpska.

The Japanese Ambassador Futao Mutai said that signing of the Agreement on Stabilization and Association with the European Union for the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina is of a historical significance and that Japan will continue with its support to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the process of association to the European Union.

The President of the Republic and the Ambassador of Japan jointly stated that together with the economic cooperation and investments of Japanese economy, bilateral cooperation should be widen to the fields of culture, science and education.

President of the Republic of Srpska met the Ambassador of Switzerland to Bosnia and Herzegovina Rolf Lanz

The President of the Republic of Srpska Dr. Rajko Kuzmanović met the Ambassador of Switzerland to Bosnia and Herzegovina Rolf Lanz.

During the meeting, the President Kuzmanović emphasized that the Republic of Srpska is ready to continue being a constructive factor in its full capacity and to contribute in executing its tasks and conditions that Bosnia and Herzegovina overtook by signing the Agreement on Stabilization and Association with the European Union.

The Republic of Srpska constantly works to solve all issues that the European Union raises, but we are only not ready, and there will not be any compromise in the cases where authorities and status of the Republic of Srpska are reduced, said the President Kuzmanović.

During the meeting, possibilities of improvement of cooperation especially on economic level were discussed. The President Kuzmanović said that in the Republic of Srpska, a favourable ambience for business and foreign investments has been created after the adoption of superior reform laws.

The Ambassador of Switzerland to Bosnia and Herzegovina Rolf Lanz emphasized that he especially understands the relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, for the fact that he comes from a complex country where there are several cultures and languages. Switzerland has offered its professional and technical support to the development of civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina and it is ready to continue with this aspect of cooperation in the future, it was emphasized by the Ambassador Lanz.