SPIUS Organized Round Table on the Occasion of the Day of Independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Student Parliament of the International University of Sarajevo (SPIUS) on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, organized a round table on the occasion of Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The topic  of the round table was "Bosnia and Herzegovina 25 years later: What Have we Prepared for the Future." Speakers at the round table were former President of Republic of Croatia Stjepan Mesic, former commander of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina Nezim Halilović and Director of the Balkan Studies Centre Prof. Dr. Mesut Idriz.

The discussion covered the pre-war period, declaration of independence, the war period and prospects for the future. The speakers also sent a message to those who are planning the division of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mr. Mesic's presence and his statements once again confirmed its friendly approach to Bosnia and Herzegovina. "I have always argued that Bosnia must survive, because of itself, because of the region, and for the sake of Europe and the world. I always sent a message to Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina that this is their homeland and their capital is Sarajevo. Furthermore, they should seek happiness and pleasure in BiH, and their politics should be created in Sarajevo. Some were angry at me, but still  I won the second elections, which means that people still understand what it is about", said Mesić.

Former commander of Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina Nezim Halilović reminded the audience that Bosnia and Herzegovina defended itself from much stronger aggressor, and stated his hope that all people will understand that Bosnia and Herzegovina is their country.

Dr. Idriz, director of Balkan Studies Center, mentioned that Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina are magical because of their survival and expressed his hope that Sarajevo will become a political center for all in Bosnia.

Ismail Ćidić, SPIUS President and moderator of the round table, emphasized the importance of remembering the historical events which were the basis for the declaration of Independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina.