Komšić and Džaferović's statement on November 25th: The interest of all peoples and citizens of BiH is NATO and the EU

(Patria) - Members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željko Komšić and Šefik Džaferović sent a joint congratulatory message to the citizens of BiH on the occasion of November 25th - Statehood Day of BiH and urged everyone to focus on positive and constructive processes, further internal reintegration, economic development, and integration into the European Union and NATO.

Presidency member Komšić recalled that seventy-seven years ago, thanks to a strong and decisive generation of people, the statehood of BiH was restored in Mrkonjić Grad, and that the most progressive segments of society at the time, supported by the freedom-loving aspirations of the majority of BiH citizens, workers, peasants, intellectuals, and others, restored that statehood.

They did so, Komšić added, on the principles of democracy and freedom for all citizens and peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of their national or religious affiliation.

He emphasized that the leaders of the then-national liberation and anti-fascist struggle had enough wisdom and knowledge to mobilize people of different political and ideological worldviews in the fight for the state and freedom.

- People of different identities and members of different social or class groups, towards one common goal. They succeeded in this because, by respecting each other, they knew how to define a common interest - Komšić stated.

He added that the generation of BiH anti-fascists at the time did not lag behind those who fought against fascism and evil in the world, and that the sacrifices made bear witness and will forever bear witness to the civilizational feat that was accomplished then, to the pride of all.

- We can still draw lessons from that civilizational feat today. The future of BiH is not in national, political, or ideological divisions. If we want to be part of the modern and civilized world again, we will have to respect each other more. We will have to abandon narrow political and even party interests in order to preserve the country for which so many sacrifices were made - Komšić points out.

He expressed his conviction that this can be achieved and that the generation of people from 1943 did not lose hope in much more difficult circumstances.

- We today, precisely because of the sacrifices made for this country, have no right to lose it, hope in the homeland of BiH, a state of equal citizens and peoples - said Komšić.

He is convinced that Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite all the difficult circumstances it faces, is moving in the right direction, which is membership in the NATO alliance and the European Union, which will surely bring a more stable, fairer, and more progressive society.

- Those who do not wish our country well will not stop us on this path. They can try, but they will not succeed. The majority of BiH citizens believe in the correctness of this path, because they know where they belong and where their homeland belongs - Komšić emphasized.

It is precisely these two alliances, he believes, that were created on the foundations of the world anti-fascist struggle, and BiH's accession to them is a logical and natural consequence of things that have their state, political, and historical continuity.

- If we persevere on this path like the generation of Bosnians and Herzegovinians from the period of the national liberation struggle, success will surely not be lacking - Komšić concluded in his address.

Presidency member of BiH Džaferović emphasized that November 25th is a special date that symbolizes the highest values.

He stressed that at the historic session of ZAVNOBiH on November 25, 1943, in Mrkonjić Grad, the decision to restore the statehood of Bosnia and Herzegovina was made, and its multi-ethnic character and the equality of all its peoples and citizens were confirmed.

- On the foundations of the anti-fascist struggle, half a century later, in difficult circumstances of aggression, Bosnia and Herzegovina fought for its independence and became an internationally recognized state, a full member of the United Nations - Džaferović stated.

He recalled that the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement was also marked a few days ago.

- The equality proclaimed at ZAVNOBiH was also confirmed by the Dayton Constitution of BiH, according to which peoples and citizens should be equal throughout the territory of the state. Unfortunately, this principle has not been implemented, and there is strong discrimination, especially when it comes to the returnee population and national minorities - Džaferović stated.

He emphasized that it is necessary to ensure equality for every person, in every corner of this country.

Disruptive ideologies and policies of division, Džaferović said, must be overcome, because citizens of BiH from all nations do not want an environment where tensions are constantly generated.

- We need to focus on positive and constructive processes, further internal reintegration of our country, its economic development, and integration into the European Union and NATO alliance. This is in the interest of all peoples and citizens of BiH, and I believe that time is coming - concluded the member of the Presidency of BiH Džaferović.