Pivić at the ceremony on the occasion of BiH Statehood Day: Our homeland is above all else

(Patria) - A formal ceremony was held tonight at the Bosnian National Theatre Zenica on the occasion of November 25, Statehood Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina, organized by the institutions of the Zenica-Doboj Canton (ZDK).

The Prime Minister of ZDK, Nezir Pivić, congratulated the citizens and attendees, stating that November 25, 1943, is certainly one of the most important dates in the past of our homeland, the day when the necessity of common political and state life of people in this region was confirmed at the First Session of ZAVNOBIH.

In Mrkonjić Grad, he added, the continuity of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the equality of people living in it were confirmed.

- Continuity and equality are the spirit and letter of this historical session. Delegates from all parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, more than eight decades ago, were aware of our differences compared to other republics of former Yugoslavia.

We were a cultural-civilizational unique entity, a place where the West and East meet, where different cultures and religions coexisted, as all those who were in these regions left their mark on Bosnia and Herzegovina and its peoples.

Therefore, the resolution from the First Session of ZAVNOBIH confirmed the determination that Bosnia and Herzegovina be a brotherhood of communities in which full equality of all peoples and minorities will be ensured - said Prime Minister Pivić.

He added that at the First Session of ZAVNOBIH, the external borders were sealed, within which Bosnia and Herzegovina was internationally recognized in 1992, and shortly after international recognition, the country was attacked.

In defense against aggression and in the fight for the highest civilizational values, he said, many BiH patriots gave their lives.

He emphasized that the institutions of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, through such ceremonies, by nurturing a culture of remembrance, send a message that the sacrifice of patriots will never be forgotten.

- It is the duty of institutions, and all of us, to cherish the achievements of the struggle for the homeland and to take care of the defenders and their families, which the institutions of our canton demonstrate through concrete measures and policies - emphasized Pivić.

He stated that eight decades since ZAVNOBIH and almost three decades since Dayton, attacks on state sovereignty and integrity, and aspirations for new divisions, have not ceased, and what they could not achieve through war, they seek to achieve through political means in peace.

- These forces obstruct the European and NATO path, the strengthening of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and generally slow down positive processes.

We are preserving and must preserve peace and stability, but those who strive for disintegration and divisions must know that there are institutions and patriots who will always stand in defense of the homeland.

Therefore, from ZDK tonight, we send a message that our homeland is above all else and that we will persevere in our efforts to create an environment tailored to every one of our citizens and strengthen the position of our country in Europe and the world - stated the Prime Minister of ZDK.

The ceremony program included the Zenica Chamber Symphony Orchestra with conductors Amna Husejnagić and Sajid Jusić, the Mixed Choir "Art Sonore", the Women's Choir of the Second Gymnasium, students and professors of the Primary and Secondary Music School Zenica, and BNP actress Sabina Kulenović.

A delegation of the Government and Assembly, led by Prime Minister Pivić and Speaker Ćazim Huskić, laid flowers and paid tribute to the memorial ossuary "Papirna" and the memorial to martyrs and fallen soldiers "Kameni spavač" in Zenica during the day.