Muhamed Sacirbegovic, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Ambassador of BiH to the United Nations (UN), and one of the negotiators in Dayton, said on Monday in an interview, commenting on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, that it reminds everyone of what BiH has already gone through almost 30 years ago.
Put the focus
He mentioned it is important to focus on what is needed for BiH to move forward, but that the past must not be forgotten.
”BiH was a victim before Ukraine, but it received much less help then. Maybe it was because some wanted to justify everything because they defined us as “Muslims” and not as a state and a community of diversity, ” explained Sacirbegovic.
He emphasized that many who tried to justify Milosevic’s aggression against BiH are now again looking for some justifications for Vladimir Putin’s actions during the invasion of Ukraine.
”Many in Europe will forget what is most important for the “new Europe” now. It is very important to understand history, but it is dangerous in the hands of those who want to abuse it, such as Putin and other nationalists, either in Russia, Serbia, or Western Europe, ” Sacirbegovic believes.
He believes that it is now our responsibility to see the image of Ukraine without prejudice because that is how we will see a better future.
”We need to understand that the war in BiH was the first in the 21st century, but not the last. Democracy is often wrong, but it can be “fixed” through peace. But, the autocracy knows only one end, and that is war and defeat, ” Sacirbegovic stressed.
Many celebrate courage
According to him, now that many are celebrating the courage and defense of Ukrainians and especially President Volodymyr Zelensky, they are obliged to feel the same towards Bosnians and Herzegovinians, who were the first to go through all this 30 years ago.
”We will all be happy if Ukraine is saved, but it is also important to put BiH on its feet, as an equal part of the Euro-Atlantic community, ” stated Sacirbegovic.
We defended Europe
”It is obvious that we were the first to defend Europe and American and European values, so not only did we deserve it, but we are still needed as part of that defense. The best thanks is to be a full part of our free future, ” said Sacirbegovic.
E.Dz.
Source: Avaz
