US Congressman and Schmidt After Meeting: Peace must not be taken for granted

Congressman Turner: Peace in BiH is still fragile. We marked the 30th anniversary, and I deeply appreciate that you, Mr. Schmidt, were here. We are at a critical moment, and cooperation between our two countries is very important to preserve peace.

US Congressman Michael Turner and High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt addressed the public after a meeting held today in Sarajevo.

Turner, who is leading the American delegation visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina, arrived earlier at the Office of the High Representative (OHR) together with Congressman Donald Norcross and other members of the delegation, where a series of meetings were held on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement.

Following the meeting, a ceremony was held to unveil the plaque “Dayton Peace Square” (Trg dejtonskog mira), accompanied by the signing of a charter dedicated to three decades of peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

High Representative Christian Schmidt stated that, three decades after the signing of Dayton, the message remains the same – peace must be defended. He emphasized that the memorial plaque, installed on the occasion of the anniversary, is more than a symbol, and that the legacy of the Dayton Agreement must remain woven into the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The name of the city of Dayton will forever have great significance in BiH. Peace must never be taken for granted. I think we will see that the whole of Sarajevo and BiH want to remember Dayton. The name of your city has never been used as frequently as it is in BiH. We must emphasize what stands behind Dayton. Your visit today sends a clear and strong message. The commitment of the USA to the constitutional order remains unwavering and strong. Dayton ended the war, and its significance did not cease 30 years ago – it still maintains stability. As we mark 30 years of peace, we must also acknowledge our responsibility to preserve and defend that peace,” said Schmidt.

Congressman Mike Turner stressed that it was a great honor for him and his community to host the negotiations that ended the war in BiH. He recalled, as reported by N1, that even children from his community sent greetings to the negotiators, and that Dayton became an internationally recognized symbol of peace.

“Peace in BiH is still fragile. We marked the 30th anniversary, and I deeply appreciate that you, Mr. Schmidt, were here. We are at a critical moment, and cooperation between our two countries is very important to preserve peace. It is an honor for me to visit BiH and do everything I can for this country. We will find a good place for this plaque,” said Turner./Oslobodjenje.ba/