The Republic of Srpska

The 34th anniversary of the Republic of Srpska Ministry of the Interior was marked with a ceremonial academy, during which the Ministry paid tribute to the fallen members of the Ministry and presented awards to distinguished individuals. 

The Republic of Srpska Minister of the Interior, Mr Željko Budimir, stated that on that day in 1992 the first battle for the Republic of Srpska had started, and emphasized that the Republic of Srpska and its police were sacred. 

He underlined that over the past 34 years, the Republic of Srpska has reaffirmed its existence every day, as it continues to face challenges.

“The Republic of Srpska has a future. Among others, that future lies in our cadets and students of the High School of Internal Affairs. All children in the Republic of Srpska know they are safe when they see a police officer. A police officer of the Republic of Srpska is not only a Serb, but also a Bosniak and a Croat—and that will remain the case. We do not protect only the Serbian people, but all citizens of the Republic of Srpska,” said Minister Budimir.

On this occasion, Minister Budimir presented the highest recognition of the Ministry, the Golden Police Badge, to the Republic of Srpska Police Director, Mr Siniša Kostrešević, the Director of Police of the Republic of Serbia, Mr Dragan Vasiljević, and the Director-General of the Counter-Terrorism Centre of the Ministry of Interior of Hungary, Mr János Hajdú.

The Golden Police Badge was also awarded to close protection officer, Mr Mišo Partalo, and the Head of the Istočno Sarajevo Police Administration, Mr Branimir Šehovac.

The Silver Police Badge was awarded to the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit, the Gendarmerie, the Administration for Protecting Persons and Buildings, as well as to the Head of Office of the Minister, Mr Srđan Obradović.

Director Kostrešević was awarded the Golden Police Badge for outstanding personal results in performing police duties, successful leadership of overall operational activities within the Ministry, and for his continuous, long-standing contribution to improving the work and reputation of the Ministry.

Director-General Hajdú was awarded for exceptional merit and personal contribution to successful cooperation between the ministries of interior of the Republic of Srpska and Hungary, particularly in countering terrorism through the exchange of information, best practices, and joint training.

Director Vasiljević received the award for exceptional merit and personal contribution to successful cooperation between the ministries of interior of the Republic of Srpska and Serbia, especially in countering organized crime, which has contributed to more efficient operations within the Republic of Srpska Ministry of the Interior and overall regional security.

The Golden Police Badge was awarded to inspector specialist, Mr Mišo Partalo, for outstanding results in the protection of persons and buildings and his contribution to improving the work of the Ministry and its reputation.

Mr Šehovac received the award for exceptional results in protecting the citizens of the Republic of Srpska and contributing to the improvement of the work and the reputation of the Ministry.

The Silver Police Badge, awarded for special merit in protecting citizens and their property, as well as protected persons, was presented to the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit, the Gendarmerie, and the Administration for Protecting Persons and Buildings.

The Silver Police Badge was awarded to the Head of Office of the Minister, Mr Srđan Obradović, for special merit in legal and other internal affairs, which contributed to the improvement of the work and reputation of the Ministry.

The ceremonial academy was attended by numerous officials, including the President of the Republic of Srpska, Mr Siniša Karan, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Nenad Stevandić, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Srpska Government, Mr Savo Minić, the Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ms Željka Cvijanović, along with delegations from the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Interior of the Russian Federation for the City of Moscow, among other guests.

The Police Director, Mr Siniša Kostrešević extended congratulations to all members of the Ministry on April 4th – Police Day, emphasizing that special attention is being given to young police officers, who are expected to continue their duties with honor and dignity along the established path.