Reisu-ulema Kavazović: Let no one rush into playing with the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Reisu-ulema of the Islamic Community (IZ) in Bosnia and Herzegovina Husein-ef. Kavazović spoke in a commentary for the MINA Agency about the current public debate regarding the possibility of passing laws that would significantly determine the future of our country.

„We are encouraged by any indication of possible progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the path of Euro-Atlantic integration, because the entire country and all citizens can benefit from it. At the same time, no one, whoever they may be, can agree on our behalf to an agreement that would jeopardize the future of this country and the essence of our statehood. No one, whoever they may be, can nullify our voice, our will, or question our collective determination to protect and defend the state and its institutions in the most effective way possible.

No one, whoever they may be, can jeopardize our security. No one, whoever they may be, can neglect in discussions what Bosnia and Herzegovina is, an internationally recognized state, a member of the United Nations, supreme over its entities. No agreement must violate these axioms. Bosniaks must have guarantees that genocide will not be repeated and that they will feel free and protected in every part of Bosnia and Herzegovina,“ said the reisu-ulema.

He explained that those in power have been entrusted with three pillars to take care of: state property, political will, i.e., equal active and passive voting rights for all citizens, and equal rights for all peoples and citizens protected by the Constitutional Court through the supremacy of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms over the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He also stated that Article II, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina is clear and stipulates that the rights and freedoms provided for in the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and its protocols are directly applied in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He emphasized that „these acts have priority over all other laws, and the role and judgments of the European Court of Human Rights are clear, and the implementation of their words and spirit without rotten compromises is necessary for the revitalization of the essence of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the strengthening of its functional statehood“.

„Let no one dare, whoever they may be, to betray these principles and trust. These are red lines for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina committed to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. There is no room for political games that would circumvent the will of the majority of citizens of this country. There is no political bargaining or political maneuvers that can justify this. This concerns all of us! Every citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially those who have experienced genocide and ethnic cleansing. Let no one rush into darkness from which there is no return, and let them not play with the future of their people and state,“ said the reisu-ulema.

He thanked „our friends from the international community for their support“.

„However, in every decision of the position and opposition, media and academic community, and in every statement by any of us, the determination of our care for ourselves and our future must be clearly expressed. Every conversation and agreement must start from and result in the strengthening, not weakening, of the statehood of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Such awareness must primarily be constantly present among us and guide our every word and deed, testifying to our unwavering commitment to the well-being and future of our state and society. We cannot behave as if someone cares more about this state and its citizens than we do ourselves. Bosniaks in particular do not have the luxury of repeating the mistakes of the nineties,“ sent a message reisu-ulema Kavazović.