Translation provided by BiHDaytonProject. Read the original here.
Respected Citizens of Republika Srpska, Dear Friends,
The year behind us was full of challenges, political and economic. Looking from a political perspective, 2012 was successful for Republika Srpska. We were able to respond to all challenges, and to accomplish certain progress in resolving problems at the level of BiH, fully respecting and affirming our positions. We will continue with this politics in 2013 as well, taking into a consideration, before anything else, the interests of the Republika Srpska and its citizens. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the unity of all relevant political factors in the Republika Srpska with respect to the key national and republic issues.
In the same time, we must preserve social and economic stability at the domestic level. We should not allow for desires of certain circles who are calling for non-institutional actions and degradation of Republika Srpska to be fulfilled. It should be clear to everyone that they are doing this for their own interests, and that they want to take advantage of the existing hardships for their own goals. That is the scenario known all over the World and it will not take place here. We don’t want to say that there are no problems in Republika Srpska. However, all these problems are not bigger than in other societies, nor can they be resolved outside the institutions of a system. In the next year bodies and institutions of Republika Srpska need to demonstrate additional energy in resolving problems that we are facing as a society.
The year behind us was challenging from the economic aspect as well. The real sector was exposed to an additional pressure, for the most part as a consequence of the global economic crisis. Besides that, this year we were able to complete, as well as to begin several capital projects for Republika Srpska. We will intensify some of them next year. We are building thermal power plants in Stanari and Ugljevik, and the construction of several hydroelectric power plants started.
We continue to build the network of highways in Republika Srpska, and roadwork on the Highway Banja Luka – Doboj has already started. We were able to secure the passage of a branch of the “South Stream” pipeline through Republika Srpska, which will provide additional security to our energy stability. Republika Srpska, and numerous local communities through which the pipeline will pass, will benefit from this project.
This is a significant investment cycle that is rare in this region. All of this should have a positive influence on the commerce, GDP growth, and most important, new jobs. The planned budget and the economic policy will allow for the fiscal and social stability of Republika Srpska, taking into a consideration socially most vulnerable categories. I know that it is not easy, and that numerous families desire better security. I am worried and sad that we are not able to remove all the difficulties.
What I can do is for us to be together, to trust each other, and to overcome the difficulties the whole world is exposed to as a community. The Republika Srpska has a stable and secure future. It [the RS] is ours and belongs only to us. Therefore, it is important to understand it, and to work on it together.
In this belief, I wish you a happy New Year and a Merry Christmas. I wish you a lot of happiness and health, joy and faith.
