Helez in Jajce on the occasion of the Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina: We will not allow the dismemberment of BiH

(Patria) - Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defense of BiH, Zukan Helez, marked March 1st – Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina together with the citizens of Jajce, where he emphasized the historical significance of this date and the continuity of statehood of our only homeland.

Minister Helez paid tribute and laid flowers at the Fountain of Liberation of Jajce, the Central Memorial to the Martyrs and Fallen Soldiers of Jajce, and the Memorial to the Fallen Defenders of the Croatian Defence Council (HVO).

„Through the referendum in 1992, BiH regained its sovereignty and international legal subjectivity. Almost two-thirds of citizens of all nationalities voted for independence, confirming the indisputability of our country's statehood. This act would not have been possible without the decisions of ZAVNOBiH and AVNOJ, which confirmed the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH,“ Helez emphasized.

He particularly stressed that the referendum question, on which the citizens of BiH voted on February 29th and March 1st, 1992, is the foundation of the policy of a European Bosnia and Herzegovina – a civic state in which all citizens and peoples are equal before the law and in which every citizen's vote counts the same.

Furthermore, he emphasized that the movement towards EU membership must serve the purpose of building a modern, European, and functional state, and that our country in Europe can only be what Europe is – a civic society in which ethnic, religious, and other rights are part of the overall set of human rights.

The minister warned of constant attacks on the constitutional and legal order of BiH, which, although they do not threaten its existence, lead to political instability and the emigration of young people.

„A state is not a static concept – its independence is preserved, strengthened, and defended every day. The strength of BiH lies in its citizens, who will not allow the scenario of its dismemberment to be repeated,“ Helez conveyed.

Speaking about the future, Helez highlighted that the Euro-Atlantic path is a strategic commitment of BiH and that the path to the EU and NATO ensures stability, security, and economic development.

„We are also at the doorstep of NATO membership. This is our state, legal, strategic, and political commitment. We have full consensus on NATO, and it was reached in the competent state bodies. This consensus can only be changed where it was established and unanimously voted on – that is, in the competent state bodies, not in incompetent entity bodies. NATO is a safe harbor that guarantees peace, security, and economic development for all people in our country,“ Helez stated.

„My goal, as the Minister of Defense of BiH, is to strengthen the Armed Forces of BiH and improve their capabilities so that they are ready and strong to decisively counter any attack on the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.“

At the end of his address, Minister Helez paid tribute to the fallen defenders of BiH, stating:

„We will never forget the best sons and daughters of our homeland – the martyrs and fallen soldiers who built the foundations of modern Bosnia and Herzegovina with their lives. They are a beacon that will permanently illuminate our honorable struggle for the homeland. Let us love and protect our only homeland – Bosnia and Herzegovina! Long live Bosnia and Herzegovina!“

The Mayor of Jajce, Edin Hozan, welcomed all attendees and thanked Minister Helez for choosing to be with the citizens of Jajce on this great holiday.

The President of the Municipal Council of Jajce, Josip Topić, also addressed the attendees and specifically thanked Minister Helez for paying tribute to the fighters of the National Liberation War (NOB), the Army of RBiH, and the HVO.

As part of the celebration of BiH Independence Day, a fitting cultural and artistic program was held in the hall of the Jajce Cultural Center, featuring the Croatian Cultural Society "Napredak", the Jajce Music School, the Brass Band, and the Choir of the Jajce Elementary School.