Dr. Cerić: Bosniaks lost a great friend

The first reactions are coming in following the death of the Party of Democratic Action president Sulejman Tihić, writes the Patria News Agency.

Dr. Mustafa Cerić, an independent candidate for the Bosniak member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, expresses his condolences to his family and party:

- I was deeply saddened by the news of Sulejman Tihić's death. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bosniaks have lost a great friend, a fighter, and an advocate for a better and stronger state. I hope that Tihić's policies and ideas, aimed at preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country, as well as advocating for the rights of Bosniaks, but also for the equal rights of all peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina, will remain a model and guidelines in the future work of the party he led and in whose work he participated from its inception. I pray that Allah the Almighty rewards Sulejman Tihić for his good deeds, forgives his sins, and grants his family patience - it was announced from the Office of Dr. Mustafa Cerić.

A statement of condolence was sent by the president of HKD Napredak, Franjo Topić, who said that despite President Tihić's illness, his death still surprised him. As he stated, he left the political scene relatively young.

- He was a great politician and a good man. He will be remembered as a patient and tolerant interlocutor, ready for positive compromises. He knew that in Bosnia and Herzegovina, progress could only be made through long, reasoned negotiations. Although he was imprisoned and mistreated in Serb camps, he never publicly or privately showed hatred or vindictiveness towards the Serb people. He persistently strove to make the Party of Democratic Action not just a Muslim party, but a Bosnian party, with the desire for members of other peoples of BiH to be included - said Topić, stating that Tihić valued the work and role of HKD Napredak.

A letter of condolence was sent by the president of the People's Party Work for Betterment, Mladen Ivanković Lijanović. - On the occasion of the death of the president of the Party of Democratic Action, on my behalf and on behalf of the members of the Presidency of Boljitak, party members and sympathizers, I express sincere words of sympathy and compassion to the family and friends of Sulejman Tihić. I believe that BiH has lost a sincere defender of human rights, the integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. May this departure of an important and respected figure not waver us, who are in the process of protecting democracy, in this noble and sincere intention - it was announced.

SBB - Fahrudin Radončić

On the occasion of the death of Sulejman Tihić, the president of SDA, Fahrudin Radončić, the president of SBB, expresses his deep condolences to the members of the Tihić family, as well as to his close associates and friends.

- Sulejman Tihić tried to truly reform SDA, strengthen the Bosniak identity of that party, and sincerely worked for harmonious multi-ethnic life in BiH. He had the support of the public and numerous political institutions in this endeavor, and his efforts were further respected by all, knowing that he went through the ordeal of camps during the war. Unfortunately, BiH has lost another valuable and persistent politician - it is stated, among other things, in Fahrudin Radončić's telegram of condolence.

CONDOLENCES FROM VALENTIN INZKO

High Representative Valentin Inzko expressed his most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and party colleagues of SDA President Sulejman Tihić.

- Sulejman Tihić will be remembered for his dedication to Bosnia and Herzegovina, in which all citizens will be safe, free, and equal, regardless of where they live or their religion and nationality. That was his dream. His readiness for healthy compromises through dialogue will continue to be a standard, for current as well as many future generations of politicians in BiH. I can freely say that a great man has died. His wisdom, openness, and forgiveness, and the deeply humanistic orientation of a man without hatred, will be greatly missed by Bosnia and Herzegovina. A deep mutual respect bound us. Because of all this, this is sad and very difficult news for me. After all the suffering in this world, may he rest in eternal peace in the next world - Inzko said.