Banja Luka Mayor Drasko Stanivukovic and Republika Srpska (RS) entity President Milorad Dodik spoke at the opening of the reconstructed Arnaudija Mosque in Banja Luka sending messages of reconciliation, peace and coexistence.
Muamer Okanovic, chief imam of the Banja Luka Majlis, addressed the audience consisting of national and international politicians and dignitaries first.
“This mosque is a jewel among all mosques. This mosque completes the Banja Luka mosques. It was built shortly after Ferhat Pasha's mosque. As the head imam, I am extremely happy that today, May 7, the mosque is opening its doors again and, to the joy of the faithful and citizens of Banja Luka, it will be a place of remembrance for the good and virtuous people,” Okanovic said.
Then the Mayor of Banja Luka, Drasko Stanivukovic, addressed the audience.
“I am glad that we are gathered in Banja Luka today. Today, she is not only a place of worship, she is also a bridge. She is a bridge because she is the last mosque that we had to rebuild in order to be closer to each other and to God. I don't believe in a man who destroys shrines and idols. There are no foreign people's holy places, all the holy places are ours”, Stanivukovic said.
After this Stanivukovic received a big applause from those present.
“As an Orthodox believer, I am glad that I can be here and send messages of peace, tolerance and mutual respect. I am proud to say that Banja Luka completed the important task of restoring all mosques, cathedrals, and churches. And that's Banja Luka, the city where every person has the right to religion, freedom… Banja Luka has so much love that it can spread to those municipalities where there is less of it. This is Banja Luka. This is an open city and everyone is welcome here,” Stanivukovic concluded.
The RS President said that Arnaudija is a witness of existence and joy, but also the madness that led to the demolition of such a wonderful building”.
“Respected Reisu-l-ulema Mustafa Kavazovic, muftis from BiH, Slovenia, Croatia and the whole world, dear mufti from Banja Luka, I especially welcome Minister Nuri from Turkey, the envoy of President Erdogan. Today we are witnessing a very important thing, and what happened 30 years ago today was a mistake. The existence of such places of worship cannot be called into question by any demolition. Today, 30 years later, we are witnessing the efforts to rebuild the Arnaudija Mosque in Banja Luka. I am grateful to everyone who helped Turkey, which allocated money, and other institutions that helped,” Dodik said at the beginning of his speech.
He pointed out that all that can be built is peace.
“I want to congratulate you, Muslim faithful, on the Day of Mosques, but I also want to congratulate all the faithful in Banja Luka on the reconstruction of this building.”
Dodik also said that the Arnaudija mosque is a witness of existence, and joy, but also “madness that led to its demolition”.
“Arnaudija is a witness of existence and joy, but also the madness that led to the demolition of such a wonderful building. I want us to live in peace and that no one damages these places of worship. Politicians with slightly heated passions are sending various messages these days, and I will send only one: The only thing left for us in our lives is to peacefully experience peace and stability, that we all have equal rights guaranteed. I appreciate the fact that we are gathered here to witness the success. This is our reunion. May the Mosque bring you joy, may she serve for prayer activities regardless of religion and ethnicity”.
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