The newly elected member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Bećirović, spoke today for the first time after assuming the office, saying that he feels a great responsibility towards the people and the country, but at the same time, this for him is an extraordinary honor.
“Let’s protect and strengthen the values of a democratic society and social solidarity. We defend the freedom and dignity of every human being. Let’s respect and implement the European Convention on Human Rights and Freedoms, as well as the decisions of international and domestic courts,” said Bećirović, addressing numerous dignitaries at the constitutive session of the Presidency.
He added that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country with deep medieval roots and strong anti-fascist foundations, and these anti-fascist values still mean advocacy for democracy, human rights and social justice.
Bećirović says that the past cannot be changed, but lessons can be learned from it, and energy should be directed towards fixing the bad present and building the foundations for a safer future and a better quality of life for people, and all levels of government should focus on solving existential issues.
“We all have common opponents: poverty, unemployment, injustice and the mass exodus of people. These opponents do not know political, ethnic, religious and other differences and they threaten all people equally. It is high time that we act responsibly and together in order to confront the real problems,” urged Bećirović.
He said that his vision of BiH is a democratic, legal and European state, a country where different ethnic, religious, regional, social and other identities are freely developed and respected, but also builds a common state identity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He underlined that experience teaches us that everyone is needed for peace and economic development, urging them to turn to the policy of peace, cooperation and strengthening the economy, and to work in the interest of the impoverished and disenfranchised people.
“We do not build political popularity on quarrels and conflicts. From sowing threats and tensions, only the seeds of misery and unhappiness can sprout,” said Bećirović.
He added that his hand is outstretched for cooperation towards all those who want good for the people, but he announced that at the same time he will be determined to defend the democratic, legal, European and multi-ethnic state because there is no legal, political, moral, historical and civilizational basis for contesting the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Today, strength is expressed through cooperation and dialogue, not through insults and threats. It’s time to draw a line and admit that quarrels and divisions are the path to poverty and isolation,” added Bećirović.
He reminded that the strategic goals of BiH are full membership in the European Union and NATO because the competent state bodies of BiH unanimously adopted those goals, and the legally adopted decisions and laws of the competent state bodies must be respected as in any other country.
He assessed that the rule of law and respect for the continuity of the decisions made are fundamental prerequisites for stability and development.
“We must demonstrate the ability to succeed in the large and demanding European market and to fully accept the democratic values of a united Europe. It is important to prepare our economy on this path by strengthening knowledge, science and adopting new technologies, respecting the postulates of sustainable development,” he emphasized.
He called for perseverance in fulfilling the assumed contractual obligations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU and to continue and improve the alignment of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s foreign policy with statements, declarations and common positions of the European Union.
Bećirović also said that regional cooperation is one of the primary interests of BiH, a prerequisite for EU integration, and good relations with neighbors guarantee peace, stability, the opening of trade relations, investments, growth of tourism, cultural, sports, educational and any other cooperation with the countries in the region.
For him, an efficient and capable defense system must serve the general, personal and property security of people in BiH, which is why it is important to continue the reform of the defense system in accordance with NATO standards, which international agreements and adopted laws oblige BiH to adhere to.
He also called for BiH to connect with the diaspora, which has not forgotten Bosnia and Herzegovina and which is a huge force and a true partner in building the future.
In the end, he called to leave apathy and pessimism in the past, and bring optimism and determination into the new era, and bring back positive energy and affirm the joint work of authorities at all levels.
