Mesić in Sarajevo: BiH must survive, its future lies in the EU and NATO

The Student Parliament of the International University of Sarajevo (SPIUS) organized a round table on the occasion of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Independence Day. The topic of the round table was "Bosnia and Herzegovina 25 years later: What have we prepared for the future". Speakers at the round table included former President of the Republic of Croatia Stjepan Mesić, former commander of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Nezim Halilović, and director of the Center for Balkan Studies Prof. Dr. Mesut Idriz.

The discussion covered the pre-war period, the declaration of independence, the war period, and prospects for the future. The speakers also sent a message to those who plan to divide Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Stjepan Mesić, with his presence and statements, once again confirmed his friendly approach towards Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- I have always held the opinion that BiH must survive, for itself, for the region, for Europe, and for the world. I have always sent the message to Croats from BiH that their homeland is BiH, and their capital is Sarajevo, and that they should seek their happiness and satisfaction in BiH, and shape their policies in Sarajevo. Some were angry with me, but I won the elections even after that, which means that people understand what it's all about - Mesić said.

- BiH must undertake everything necessary for membership in the EU, which means fulfilling standards and conditions and opening its borders, and that means joining another association, NATO pact - concluded the former President of the Republic of Croatia.

The former commander of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nezim ef. Halilović, reminded that Bosnia and Herzegovina defended itself from a far more powerful aggressor and expressed hope that everyone will one day finally understand that Bosnia and Herzegovina is their country.

- Political forces among the Serb people and those among the Croat people in BiH, those oriented towards BiH, and towards NATO and EU integration, must understand that this is their motherland and that the salvation of their people, or rather our homeland BiH, can only be sought in common institutions - said Nezim Halilović.

Dr. Idriz, director of the Center for Balkan Studies, called Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina a magical city and country.

- If we go back and study history, we can see that Sarajevo and BiH can survive and can be both a country and a city that will be the political center of all peoples. Sarajevo is an example par excellence of coexistence, it is an example that we can show to the whole world, not just Europe. I lived in Malaysia for 16 years, the coexistence I saw in Malaysia is similar to what I see here in Sarajevo and in most of BiH - said Idriz.

Ismail Ćidić, president of SPIUS and moderator of the round table, emphasized the importance of remembering the events that led to the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- There is no doubt that this is one of the most important dates in the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the obligation of everyone, especially young people, is to learn about the history of their country. That is why today at this round table we had the opportunity to listen to people who directly contributed to us being able to call Bosnia and Herzegovina an independent state today.