Governments of Serbia and RS adopt Declaration on Protection of National and Political Rights and the Joint Future of the Serb People

Today, the governments of Serbia and Republika Srpska unanimously adopted the Declaration on the Protection of National and Political Rights and the Joint Future of the Serb People during a joint session at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade, as part of the All Serb Assembly.

Before the adoption of the declaration, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated that the document addresses Kosovo and Metohija, the respect for United Nations Resolution 1244, as well as dialogue and adherence to agreements.

Vucic emphasized that the declaration "does not mention the dissolution of the RS and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina".

"I won't intrude on your decisions, I only ask that you think a million times about how much we all need peace," Vucic said at the joint session of the two governments.

He stated that Serbia "will never abandon Republika Srpska".

"My only plea to you is to attempt to resolve all problems peacefully and in dialogue with all other peoples (in Bosnia and Herzegovina), in accordance with the Dayton Agreement," Vucic said.

President of RS Milorad Dodik stated that the declaration is a national document that rehabilitates Serbian national interests, emphasizing that Serbian national and state interests have no alternative.

According to him, the declaration encompasses all important aspects of Serbia and RS relations, including the decision for RS to mark February 15 as the Day of Republika Srpska, while January 9 will be celebrated as the Day of the Establishment of RS.

The declaration will be forwarded to the parliaments of Serbia and RS for adoption.