Abstract: Based on archival sources and literature, the paper presents a dramatic event for the Serbian people on both sides of the Drina River during the war in the Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SR BiH) in the late 20th century. It examines the May 1993 session of the National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska (NA RS), where the Vance-Owen Peace Plan was rejected. The decision worsened RS’s international standing and relations with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), but later proved justified, as RS received recognition in Dayton – something that would have been lost under the 1993 plan.

Keywords: National Assembly of Republika Srpska, Pale, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slobodan Milošević, Dobrica Ćosić, Radovan Karadžić, Ratko Mladić, Vance-Owen Plan

Summary: The 30th session of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska held in Pale in May 1993 can be confidently described as one of the pivotal events for the Serbian people during the civil war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At this session, after long and exhausting discussions, it was decided to reject the Vance-Owen plan, and that the final decision on this matter would be made by the people in a referendum. The decision of the people in RS was identical to the one made by the assembly representatives. The leadership of RS considered this plan extremely unfavorable, especially since its implementation would result in the disappearance of RS, which by then had already represented a symbol of freedom for the Serbian people, as can be inferred from the statements made during the mentioned assembly session. On the other hand, the leadership of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, supported by Greek and Russian politicians, was trying in every possible way to pressure the leaders of RS in Pale to accept this plan, which would very likely lead to the lifting of sanctions against their country. The refusal of the National Assembly of RS to do so led to a conflict between the two Serbian leaderships, which would have very negative consequences for the Serbian side in the war. Although the threats were completely open, the NATO forces did not attack Serbian positions after the rejection of the peace plan, and RS managed to defend itself despite everything and awaited international recognition at the end of the war.