Helez at Statehood Day commemoration: Bosnia and Herzegovina will never be divided, our freedom will never be taken away

(Patria) - On the occasion of the commemoration of November 25 - Statehood Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH and Minister of Defense of BiH Zukan Helez laid flowers at the Shahid Cemetery and the Partisan Cemetery in the municipality of Donji Vakuf.

In his opening address, Minister Helez expressed his satisfaction at being able to be with the residents of Donji Vakuf on the Statehood Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also emphasized that since his appointment as Minister of Defense of BiH and Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers, he has strived to commemorate important dates for Bosnia and Herzegovina in various cities, thereby sending a strong message that all cities and municipalities are key components of our unified homeland.

Each municipality carries its own story, its memories, and its contribution to building our common future, and all together they constitute the richness of Bosnia and Herzegovina's identity.

The Minister recalled the historical significance of this date, stating that 81 years ago, in Mrkonjić Grad, the session of ZAVNOBiH was held, during which the statehood of Bosnia and Herzegovina was restored. He stressed that it was the first time since 1463, when Bosnia and Herzegovina fell under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, that it restored its statehood within its historical borders.

Thanks to ZAVNOBiH, Bosnia and Herzegovina had the legal basis for holding the referendum on independence on February 29 and March 1, 1992.

"We respectfully remember the generation that gifted us ZAVNOBiH. Today, I laid flowers and paid tribute to the generation of patriots who defended our country from aggression after the referendum on independence," Helez stated.
"Friends, the forces that attacked Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 90s have not been completely defeated, and their goal remains the same – to partition BiH.

Today is an opportunity to send a message to all those who may be dreaming of political means to achieve war goals or who, in any way, threaten Bosnia and
Herzegovina and our freedom. We say: Bosnia and Herzegovina will never be divided, our freedom will never be taken away," said Helez.

Finally, Minister Helez emphasized that his position as Minister of Defense of BiH and Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers placed him on the front line of BiH's defense, and that he would never raise his hand for something against BiH, nor support anything that would undermine the competencies of our state.

"In our homeland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are enough resources for all its citizens to live comfortably and peacefully and to raise their children. The people of this country deserve such a life. In that spirit, I congratulate everyone on the Statehood Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina," concluded Minister Helez.