Komšić on March 1: Had we not fought and sacrificed, our homeland would have been erased from the world map

(Patria) - Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željko Komšić released a video message on the occasion of March 1, Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

You can read Komšić's full address below.

"Dear fellow Bosnians and Herzegovinians,

These days mark the 34th anniversary since our homeland Bosnia and Herzegovina gained independence through a democratic decision of its citizens. That decision was made in a referendum on independence.

We all know the political and social circumstances that preceded that act. We know it was not easy to call and hold the referendum. Nevertheless, thanks to the existence of strong republican institutions and the patriotism of the people who led them, citizens were enabled to express their democratic will.

The result of that expression was the decision on independence. In historical terms, that decision is an unprecedented event; in value and civilizational terms, it builds upon decisions made 50 years earlier when Bosnia and Herzegovina was established as a republic.

However, that decision had to be defended not only politically but also militarily. At the moment of the attack on Bosnia's independence, we did not have our own army; there was only the republican MUP, which played a huge role in defending the state.

The balance of forces and resources was on the side of the enemy. From this distance in time, we can say that an exceptional success was achieved.

With great sacrifice by the people, and above all by members of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the MUP of RBiH, the homeland was defended. The decision that Bosnia and Herzegovina be an independent republic was also defended.

When we look today at what is happening in the world and witness a carnival of injustice and violence, we can say with a clear conscience that it was worth fighting and sacrificing for our country.

Had we not fought and sacrificed then, BiH would have been erased from the world map. As it is, we are here, in our country. It is not ideal, but it cannot be threatened and annulled as some think it can.

We know how much Bosnia and Herzegovina means to all of you who live outside it. We also know how much you help it. It will always be your home and a corner of the planet where you can take shelter.

For all Bosnians and Herzegovinians, it represents an oasis of freedom. It was so, it is so now, and it will remain so in the future.

Let us remain proud of our homeland and protect it. Happy March 1 to us all, Independence Day of our only homeland, Bosnia and Herzegovina."