Last night, the team of the Maryland Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council attended the ceremonial reception commemorating the 32nd anniversary of the Independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The event was organized at the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Washington, D.C.
The reception was attended by a large number of American officials, including representatives from the U.S. Department of State, Congress (House of Representatives and Senate), the White House, the U.S. State of Maryland, with which Bosnia and Herzegovina is celebrating its 20th anniversary of state partnership this year, as well as members of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora living across the United States. Notable figures present included James O’Brien, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, representing Antony Blinken, and Gabriel Escobar, U.S. Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, along with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Stanley Brown from the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.
After the national anthems of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States were played, H.E. Sven Alkalaj, the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the U.S., addressed the guests. Extending warm congratulations on March 1, Independence Day of BiH, to all Bosnians and Herzegovinians in the U.S. and those who consider Bosnia and Herzegovina their homeland, the ambassador welcomed all attendees, emphasizing the significance of that date in their history.
Speaking about the referendum on the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Alkalaj highlighted that the majority of Bosnians and Herzegovinians voted for a sovereign and independent Bosnia and Herzegovina, a state of equal citizens. Nearly two-thirds, precisely 64% of eligible voters, participated in the referendum, with 99.7% voting for the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, affirming its multicultural and multiethnic history with a commitment to equal rights for all citizens. On April 6, 1992, European Community member countries recognized it, and the United States followed suit on April 7, acknowledging Bosnia and Herzegovina as an independent and sovereign state. The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina became a member of the United Nations on May 22, 1992.
Ambassador Alkalaj particularly emphasized the crucial role played by the U.S. in achieving peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, signing the Dayton Peace Agreement, as well as in post-war reconstruction, humanitarian aid, and the economic development of war-ravaged Bosnia and Herzegovina. He stressed that “no country has helped Bosnia and Herzegovina more, and we will never forget that.” Addressing the current situation in their country, the ambassador commented on the complex political dynamics and socio-economic challenges hindering progress towards unity and prosperity. He underscored that Bosnia and Herzegovina is at a crucial moment and a historical crossroads, requiring continuous support from the United States and their allies to pursue necessary reforms and ensure sovereignty, territorial integrity, and a multiethnic character.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Alkalaj thanked the sponsors who helped dignify the celebration of the Independence Day of their country. He conveyed that the future lies in peace and integration and must be on the side of all those who love their country and want their children to live and thrive in a stable, free, and secure state. “Unity in our diversity today will bring a more prosperous tomorrow,” he concluded in his address.
On behalf of the host country, Assistant Secretary of State James O’Brien addressed the gathering, and his presence was recognized as a strong sign of support and commitment of the U.S. to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In his speech, Mr. O’Brien highlighted that Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the immediate aftermath of declaring independence, set an exceptional example for the world in organizing its self-defense and establishing relations as a new state with many countries, cooperating with the United Nations. He praised Bosnia and Herzegovina for defending innocent civilians exposed to daily crimes. He recalled the negotiations in Vienna in 1994 when representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina had to secretly exit Sarajevo through a tunnel to attend the talks. The remarkable sense of resistance and dedication by the defenders of Bosnia and Herzegovina served as inspiration for all foreigners collaborating with them. Speaking about the current situation, Mr. O’Brien emphasized strong U.S. support for the aspirations of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, stating that the U.S. and European partners will do everything to ensure Bosnia and Herzegovina does not miss the opportunities available to it. Hence, there should be genuine hope this year, during the commemoration of this independence anniversary, even though the challenges are formidable. The U.S. will stand by Bosnia and Herzegovina and assist in the effort, he emphasized. “We will work together, as we have since 1992, especially in 1995,” Mr. O’Brien concluded.
After the official addresses, guests had the opportunity to indulge in various delicacies and beverages from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
