Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željko Komšić attended the Academy on the occasion of celebrating the Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Italy at the invitation of the Citizens’ Association “Ljiljan Italija”, the Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina. association and the Municipality of Darfo Boario Terme.
He also spoke with representatives of local authorities, organizers, as well as members of the Bosnian diaspora in this country. They discussed strengthening cooperation, preserving identity and the importance of connecting the homeland and the diaspora.
“It is my pleasure to be here with you again today and to mark the Independence Day of our homeland, Bosnia and Herzegovina. I am especially pleased to have the opportunity to stay among you once again, because a few years ago I was already a guest in this region and then I was sincerely delighted with the warm welcome, exceptional organization and energy of our people. That meeting left a strong impression on me and once again confirmed how organized and deeply connected our people, who live outside the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, are to their homeland,” said Komšić.
He stated that this holiday is a symbol of our freedom, unity and determination to protect and build the state for all its citizens.
He recalled that at the beginning of the month it was 34 years since BiH gained independence.
“This was preceded by the democratic declaration of citizens in a referendum on independence. In a historical sense, this decision is an unprecedented event. However, such a decision had to be defended not only politically but also militarily. With the great sacrifice of the entire people, the decision for Bosnia and Herzegovina to become an independent republic was defended today, thanks to which we have a state, not ideal, but still ours,” said Komšić and added:
“We know how much Bosnia and Herzegovina means to all of you in the diaspora, including here in Italy, and how much you help it. Bosnia and Herzegovina will always be your home and that corner of the planet where you can take refuge. For all Bosnians and Herzegovinians, it represents an oasis of freedom. That was the case, that is the case now, and that will remain the case in the future.”
He stated that he was aware of how much Bosnian citizens in Italy are also happy about the successes of BiH.
“We were all equally happy about the victory of our football team. The circumstances are such that Bosnia and Herzegovina will play its next match for qualification to the World Cup against the Italian team. And just as we appreciate the unquestionable friendship of the Republic of Italy towards Bosnia and Herzegovina, so, appreciating Italy as a football superpower, a team that has won the most world championships among European teams, we still hope for the qualification of our team,” he said.
He emphasized that Italy is a wonderful and friendly country, and for Bosnians and Herzegovinians who have found life opportunities there, it is also a second homeland.
“However, for our entire nation, such things have a deeper meaning. The Bosnian people are eager to win and it seems that the newer generations exude optimism and fighting spirit, the same one we saw in the match against Wales. Thank you for another warm welcome here in Italy and I hope to see you soon in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” concluded Komšić.
