Gendarmerie Unit formed, Dodik says they will not give up on reserve forces

BANJA LUKA, (Patria) - The Gendarmerie Unit of the RS Ministry of Interior, formed to improve the security of its citizens and property, was lined up at the Training Center in Zalužani near Banja Luka, the RS Ministry of Interior announced.

The gendarmerie lineup was attended by BiH Presidency member Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska Željka Cvijanović, Speaker of the National Assembly of Srpska Nedeljko Čubrilović, Prime Minister of Republika Srpska Radovan Višković, Minister of Interior Dragan Lukač, and RS Police Director Darko Ćulum.

Minister of Interior of Republika Srpska Dragan Lukač said that today, for the first time in history, the Gendarmerie Unit was promoted.

"This unit is not intended for warfare against anyone, but to protect the RS and its values," Lukač said.

BiH Presidency member and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik said that Republika Srpska will not give up on forming a reserve police force.

"Let it be known immediately, we will consider and wait for the opportunity to form a reserve force. That is the best way to protect and defend the territory. Everything the RS does is met with condemnation from political Sarajevo and part of the International Community, without even looking into the substance. This is not beyond Dayton, it is only limited by our material resources, not by Sarajevo's will," Dodik said.

The idea of establishing a reserve police force of the RS Ministry of Interior was condemned by numerous embassies, the OHR, the EU Delegation, as well as political parties in BiH. After that, a decision was made to form the Gendarmerie Unit.