Schmidt with Congressman Turner: Peace must never be taken for granted

(Patria) - American Congressman and former mayor of the town of Dayton (Ohio) Michael R. Turner, who was declared an honorary citizen of Sarajevo, is visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In the building of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) in Sarajevo this evening, High Representative Christian Schmidt met with Turner and other members of the American delegation, including Representative Donald Norcross.

Schmidt and Turner unveiled a plaque with the inscription "Dayton Peace Square" in the OHR building and signed a commemorative charter on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement.

After the meeting, there was an address to the media, and Schmidt was the first to address the "seventh force".

- Three decades after Dayton, we have the honor of having with us today the former mayor of a wonderful city in Ohio. The message remains unchanged - peace must be defended. The legacy of Dayton must live on in the institutions and public life of BiH.

Peace must never be taken for granted. I think we will see that all of Sarajevo and BiH will want to remember Dayton. The name of your city has not been used as frequently as it has been here. Sometimes we have to emphasize what stands behind Dayton - said Schmidt.


Photo: Patria

He assessed that the visit of Congressman Turner to Bosnia and Herzegovina today sends a clear and strong message.

- It shows that the US commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of BiH remains strong and unwavering. The Dayton Agreement ended the war, but its significance did not end 30 years ago.

It continues to strengthen democratic institutions and provide support to BiH towards its secure future. We acknowledge what has been achieved by the Dayton Peace Agreement, but also the citizens of BiH after the hell they went through - added Schmidt.

Congressman Turner, addressing the media, said that it was a great honor for him and his community to host such a significant moment in history as the Dayton Peace Agreement.

- Regardless of the enormous challenge of negotiations and the war that was ongoing in BiH at the time, there was still a sense of optimism that peace could prevail. Our children could feel that peace was possible, and they shared congratulations expressing support for the negotiators.


Photo: Patria

At that time, the name Dayton became synonymous with peace. Thirty years later, my community gathered again to remind ourselves that peace in BiH is fragile. We gathered several leaders from the Western Balkans, including BiH, in Dayton.

I have visited BiH several times to strengthen the transatlantic relationship. It is an honor for me to be able to dedicate this plaque here. It is wonderful that peace still exists after 30 years. I expect Sarajevo and BiH to have a bright future ahead of them - stated Turner.