President of the Republic of Srpska presents the decoration to Peter Handke
The President of the Republic of Srpska Željka Cvijanović met today in Banja Luka with Peter Handke and on that occasion presented him with the Order of the Republic of Srpska on the ribbon for outstanding work and merits in the field of cultural and spiritual development, as well as for special contribution to development and strengthening of overall relations with the Republic of Srpska.
The President of the Republic of Srpska stated that the arrival of the Nobel Prize winner Peter Handke is a great pleasure for Banja Luka and the Republic of Srpska, and that Srpska appreciates serious world creativity, which comes from the pen and the mind of the man who visited it.
“Handke understands the context in which he finds himself. He himself said that many winds blew against his arrival here, that many who sent unpleasant words tried to discourage him with those words”, said the President Cvijanović.
The President of the Republic emphasized that despite that, the Nobel Prize winner decided to come to Banja Luka, which is a great thing.
“It is a great thing, but also a great shame for all those who tried to discourage him and who called him various names, tried to prevent him, led some logistical activities to prevent this from happening”, said the President Cvijanović.
The President of Srpska said that Handke was a welcome guest in the Republic of Srpska.
“The fact that he received the highest recognition shows the attitude we have towards him, his work and finally towards his understanding”, added the President Cvijanović.
The President of the Republic added that the highest recognition is given to people with exceptional merits, and that this award is certainly deserved by a man who has achieved so much in the world of art and literature and for everything he has given to humanity during his career.
