Thirty-three representatives of academic, political, cultural, social and religious life of Bosniaks signed a joint statement in Sarajevo today condemning hate speech, Islamophobia and false narratives about Bosniaks and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ambassador to the United Nations Zlatko Lagumdžija said that it is crucial that the signed statement condemning hate speech and Islamophobia receive the widest possible international response.
Speaking of its role, he stressed that it is a response to a long-term campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina:
“It is very important that this statement reaches as many of our friends as possible, but also those who are not, first and foremost our friends. Considering the relentless campaign that has been waged against Bosnia and Herzegovina in recent months, and even years, it is clear that it is aimed at destroying this country and the peace agreement. That campaign is still going on with words, and this is the response with words. Don’t forget – the war and genocide began with words, not immediately with gunfire.”
He added that the goal is to break, as he puts it, the “false propaganda” that attempts to delegitimize the state and its people:
“They are trying to present Bosnia and Herzegovina as a foreign tissue in Europe, and Bosniaks as a people who do not belong there. This is a dangerous matrix that we have already seen.”
The strength of the statement lies in the unity of society
Lagumdžija particularly emphasizes that the value of the document lies in the fact that it brings together a wide spectrum of society.
“I don’t know when it happened that you have such a cross-section of political, religious, academic and cultural layers. This is a combination of state and society.”
He emphasizes that the document also carries a strong message about the character of the state:
“A secular and democratic Bosnia and Herzegovina is clearly advocated here. It is important to emphasize that the initiative comes from the Islamic Community, and yet secularism is repeatedly emphasized. This is a message that is very easy to convey.”
International dimension and diplomatic activities
Speaking of further steps, Lagumdžija states that the process has already been initiated through diplomatic activities.
“This statement will be used in communication with partners around the world. We are already seeing intensive contacts – from Brussels to other decision-making centers. It is very important that we have a clear and unified document that we can present.”
He particularly addressed the narratives coming from outside Bosnia and Herzegovina:
“We are witnessing daily claims about the alleged threat to Christians and attempts to reduce Bosniaks exclusively to a religious group. This is a completely wrong and dangerous narrative.”
Progressive forces and geopolitical context
Lagumdžija believes that the political dynamics in Europe are changing and that this can have a positive impact.
“We need to make a distinction between progressive forces in Europe and here. I think that there are more progressive forces here than it seems at first glance. Europe is coming out of the defensive phase and moving into the consolidation phase. The two largest powers are the USA and China, and Europe understands that there must be a third part of the tripod. Just as in BiH, the tripod must function.”
The European Path and Political Blockades
When asked about the stalled European path, Lagumdžija openly speaks about political obstructions.
“You have a man who openly says that the European Union will not exist and his godfather, brother, friend and accomplice in stopping the European path – Dragan Čović.”
He emphasizes that the future of the country is clearly determined:
“You will not destroy Bosnia and Herzegovina and you will not divide it. It is on the path to the European Union and NATO. Whoever does not understand this should look for their path somewhere else.”, Federalna writes.
