Hoare: There is no real reconciliation as long as the Dayton Peace Agreement exists

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - In Washington, organized by the Atlantic Council, a conference was held presenting a report titled “Balkans Forward – a new American strategy for the region”

Marko Atilla Hoare, a professor at the SSST University in Sarajevo, spoke to N1 about the conference and commented on the verdict against Prlić and others.

Hoare said it was expected because they were guilty of crimes, and also stated that the suicide of convict Slobodan Praljak was a security failure of the Hague Tribunal.

When asked whether verdicts can bring reconciliation, he replied: "So far, there has been no reconciliation, and no nation from the former Yugoslavia is satisfied with every verdict."

About the conference “Balkans Forward – a new American strategy for the region” he said:

- America has a positive role in the region, and the reputation of the USA is good in the region. They brought peace to these areas in Dayton, and their role has always been important for preserving peace.

He also said that the Dayton Peace Agreement was not a good solution.

- It is not a good solution because the Serbian aggressors were on the verge of defeat, and when they were on the verge of defeat, the RS was recognized as an entity, leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina as a non-functional state, and that was not necessary - Hoare emphasized.

Regarding the solution for Bosnia and Herzegovina, he said that a somewhat more radical system would be needed for Bosnia, and as long as the Dayton system exists, there will be no real reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He also spoke about the American military presence in the Balkans.

- The American military presence is positive, and they represent a better guarantee for preserving peace. If they withdraw, there is a danger of the presence of Putin's regime, and Americans are needed to oppose that. It is important that they stay in the Balkans, because without them there is no future - Hoare emphasized.