High Representative Christian Schmidt and Mayor of Sarajevo Samir Avdić unveiled the “Dayton Peace Square” plaque in front of the Office of the High Representative in Sarajevo.
High Representative Christian Schmidt said that last year marked 30 years since the Dayton Peace Agreement was signed in Dayton, at the Wright-Patterson military base.
He recalled that the agreement brought an end to violence, war, and human suffering and suffering.
“Last year, Mayor, you had the opportunity to confer the title of Honorary Citizen on Michael Turner, the former mayor of the city of Dayton, where the peace agreement was signed. About a year ago in Dayton, I had the opportunity to speak with Michael Turner, and that was when the idea was born to dedicate a place in Sarajevo that would serve as a place of remembrance for the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement in 1995,” Schmidt said.
He added that the goal was to make a contribution, to make a sign that they appreciate what was achieved then and the efforts that people made.
“Today, by placing a plaque with the inscription “Dayton Peace Square” on this building, we are marking much more than just a name. The idea that was born last November here in Sarajevo has received the full support of the Mayor of the City of Sarajevo. Thank you, Mayor, for supporting this project and for being here with us today,” said the High Representative.
I think, he said, that we are all called here to support the key principles of Dayton, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the rule of law. The Dayton Peace Agreement remains the cornerstone of the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“We cannot say that the agreement was easy, the Dayton Peace Agreement is a complicated agreement and its implementation is difficult. This agreement has many limitations, but it is necessary to overcome them and move forward on the path of implementing the agreement towards membership in the European Union. “We must remember here today that Dayton might not have happened if it were not for the commitment of the United States of America and its engagement in bringing peace to this country,” Schmidt said.
He said it would be wonderful if “all of us here, including the members of the Peace Implementation Council, could express our commitment to implementing Dayton and one day be able to report that the Dayton Peace Agreement has been implemented.”
“At the end of the day, the future of this country lies in the hands of its leaders and its citizens, which means that it is necessary to establish a partnership. We cannot know now how this building will be used in maybe 10 years. However, people who pass by this building will see this as a kind of reminder of the times when it was necessary to establish peace, when it was necessary to achieve a ceasefire and move towards a better future. Therefore, in a way, this is also a promise for the future, that we need to maintain peace and continue to work on it,” said High Representative Christian Schmidt.
The mayor of Sarajevo, Samir Avdic, said that the plaque is the “Dayton Square of Peace”, which he is putting together today with the High Representative Christian Schmidt, a symbol of partnership, responsibility and permanent commitment to peace.
It reminds us, he added, that peace is not given once and for all, it is a process that requires constant care, mutual dialogue and appreciation.
“For us, the General Framework Agreement for Peace has a special weight. We are aware of its shortcomings and limitations, but there is one fact that surpasses all criticism – it stopped the war and brought peace. Thanks to that agreement, the guns fell silent, peace came to our country and the longest siege of a city, and the main one in the heart of Europe, ended. Sarajevo endured, survived and welcomed the reintegration of its settlements,” said Avdić.
He added that it was not just an administrative process, but the return of life, dignity and togetherness by reuniting families and restoring the spirit of Sarajevo.
“The Office of the High Representative was part of that journey. Today, when we talk about the future, we are aware that the path to full sovereignty and functionality of our state is clearly defined through the “5+2” conditions. Their fulfillment is not only an international obligation, but also our responsibility towards the safe and happy future of our children and the future of their children,” said Avdić, adding that by symbolically unveiling the plaque, we are once again confirming Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commitment to stability, prosperity and its European path.
“With a message to the youth to preserve the values that have been won with knowledge, tolerance and courage and to continue to build a society of equal opportunities, justice and mutual understanding,” said Avdić.
Finally, he thanked the High Representative for his dedication, responsibility and sincere friendship and for everything he does for the city of Sarajevo and the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Fena writes.
