Book Promotion 'Jajce 1992 - Siege and Defense of the Royal City' Marked by Strong Emotional Moments

(Patria) - In a packed hall of the Jajce Cultural Center last night, the promotion of the book “Jajce 1992.: Siege and Defense of the Royal City” was held, written by Dr. Amir Kliko, a Bosnian historian and senior research associate at the Institute for Research of Crimes Against Humanity and International Law of the University of Sarajevo. This significant work of his offers a deep insight into the dramatic period of the siege of Jajce and the heroic struggle for the defense of the city during the war year of 1992.

The book promotion was not only an opportunity to present a new historiographical achievement but also to pay tribute to the brave fighters who gave their lives in the struggle for the freedom of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Before the promotion itself, the Coordination of Associations of Fighters of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ARBiH) Jajce awarded recognition to distinguished fighters of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the occasion of ABiH Day. The award was posthumously presented to the fighters who gave the most for their homeland: Sedžad Agić, Miralem Čivo, Fikret Mecavica, Ehvan Nuhanović, Jasmin Ramić, and Salih Vunić.

The ceremony was particularly moving when the plaques were presented by Smajo Nuhanović, president of the Organization of Families of Martyrs and Fallen Fighters of the Municipality of Jajce. After the presentation of the plaques, the president of the Coordination of Fighters' Associations addressed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of this book for Jajce and its history.

– Jajce is now enriched with another exceptional war monograph, which undoubtedly ranks among the best in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We owe our gratitude to our Dr. Amir Kliko, whose project-book has shed light on the six-month siege of our municipality, leaving us a valuable historical document for future generations. Omerinović's words strongly convey that every household in Jajce and our country should own this book.

As Professor Dr. Enes Durmišević emphasized, few historians in Bosnia and Herzegovina focus on war topics, and Amir Kliko is among the rare few.

– We can proudly state that all of us, especially the people of Jajce, hold great pride in Amir Kliko for his dedicated work in researching and documenting important events from our past. His dedication and effort have contributed to preserving Jajce's significant historical heritage. It is an exceptional honor and pleasure for me to be part of this promotion. I simply could not refuse the opportunity to attend such an important event. This book represents his great work, a kind of obligation to his city, and something that allows us, not only as Bosnians but all Bosnians and Herzegovinians and patriots, to speak freely. We all know well that before 1992, we were deprived of freedom of speech, and now we are in a situation where we can openly express our opinions, Durmišević stated.

Fikret Ćuskić, a retired brigadier general of the Army, shared his thoughts on the events in Jajce during 1992 and his acquaintance with Dr. Amir Kliko, as well as his new work.

– Amir Kliko, our fellow soldier, became closer to me only after the war through the writing of the Monograph of the 17th Knightly Brigade. The book he dedicated to Jajce is a research work that will preserve the memory of all that the defenders of Jajce achieved from April to October 1992 in a documented and historically accurate manner. On one occasion, I suggested that he might shorten the monograph, but his answer touched me: “General, I don't know if I will have more opportunities to write about my city. I feel a moral obligation to present a quality account of everything that happened in our recent history.” I believe he is a happy man now for all that he has achieved, and I am also happy that we have Kliko who records all of this, said Ćuskić.

He added that Jajce is one of the few cities that did not have conflicts between the Army of BiH and the HVO; on the contrary, they fought together in the defense of the city of Jajce. This is another example of how unity and solidarity among citizens were key in difficult times, and a testament to the courage and determination of the defenders of Jajce.

Through his research, Kliko has managed to revive memories of those difficult moments and remind readers of the brave people who resisted violence and bravely defended their homes.

– We survived a lot during 1992, and I don't need to explain to my fellow citizens of Jajce what we went through. We all experienced that difficult situation together, each in our own way, but we understand each other. I thank the organizers of this promotion, the Coordination of ARBiH Fighter Associations Jajce, for the excellent organization of the event. Also, I want to thank my friends from Krajina and central Bosnia who came to support this promotion. I especially want to express my gratitude to my dear fellow citizens of Jajce who have never denied me their support. I have already had the opportunity to feel that support, and last night was no exception. The people of Jajce are special; they don't adhere to the saying that they will forgive their own person everything except their personal success. That is why I am extremely proud to belong to this city and these people. Their support gives me the strength to continue my work and dedication to preserving important parts of our history, said Dr. Amir Kliko, who was a member of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a minor.