High Representative Christian Schmidt and Mayor of Sarajevo Samir Avdić solemnly unveiled the plaque “Dayton Square of Peace” in front of the Office of the High Representative in Sarajevo.
High Representative Christian Schmidt recalled that the Dayton Peace Agreement brought an end to violence, war and human suffering.
– You, mayor, last year had the opportunity to award the title of honorary citizen to 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 talk with Michael Turner, and then the idea was born to dedicate a place in Sarajevo that will serve as a memorial to the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement from 1995, Schmidt said.
He added that the goal was to make some contribution, to make some sign that they appreciate what was achieved then and appreciate the efforts that people made.
– Today, by placing a plaque with the inscription “Dayton Peace Square” on this building, we mark much more than just a name. The idea that was born last November here in Sarajevo 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 stated, 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. That agreement has a lot of limitations, but it is necessary to overcome it and move forward through the implementation of the agreement towards membership in the European Union. Today, we must remember here that Dayton might not even exist if it were not for the commitment of the United States of America and its involvement in establishing peace in this country, said Schmidt.
He stated that it would be wonderful if “all of us present here, including the members of the Peace Implementation Council, express our commitment to the implementation of Dayton and that one day we can 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 transcends all criticism – it stopped war and brought peace. Thanks to that agreement, the guns fell silent, peace came to our country, and the longest siege of a city, the main one in the heart of Europe, ended. Sarajevo endured, survived and welcomed the reintegration of its settlements, said Avdic.
He added that it was not just an administrative process, but the return of life, dignity and community through the reunification of families and the renewal of 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 country is clearly defined through the “5+2” conditions. Fulfilling them 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, Avdić said, adding that with the symbolic unveiling of the plaque, we once again confirm Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commitment to stability, prosperity and its European path.
– With a message to young people 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 Avdic.
In the end, he thanked the high representative for his commitment, responsibility and sincere friendship and for everything he does for the city of Sarajevo and the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
