Joe Biden: The Dayton Agreement brought peace to BiH, but the job is not done

(Patria) - Newly elected President of the United States Joe Biden said that today he joins the international community and the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in marking the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Agreement, which ended the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which Biden said was the worst conflict on the European continent since World War II.

"On this day, we celebrate the efforts of peacemakers, and mourn the loss of around 100,000 lives and the displacement of millions more," Biden said, Al Jazeera reports.

The Dayton Agreement brought peace to Bosnia and Herzegovina and confirmed its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, said the newly elected US President. However, he added, a quarter of a century later, it is clear that the job of promoting justice, reconciliation, and a functional, multi-ethnic Bosnia and Herzegovina is unfinished. Too often, we have seen nationalism triumph over the state interest for the enrichment of a few, rather than implementing reforms for the benefit of the majority, Biden said.

"This anniversary is an opportunity for all parties to reflect on a brighter future and to recommit to the difficult but necessary steps to build a fully functional Bosnia and Herzegovina for all its citizens."

"As President, I look forward to working with the international community and the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to finally fulfill the promise of the Dayton Agreement - a prosperous, just, and democratic Bosnia and Herzegovina at the heart of Europe - whole, free, and at peace," said the newly elected US President, who is expected to take office from the current president Donald Trump next month.