Speech by

Zlatko LAGUMDZIJA, D.Sc., Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina

On the occasion of the accession to the Council of Europe of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Strasbourg, 24 april 2002

Mr. President of the Parliament of the Council of Europe, Mr. Schieder,
Mr. Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Mr. Schwimmer,
Mr. Chairman of the Committee of Ministers, Mr. Valionis,

Mr.President, Belkic, Radisic, Krizanovic,
Mr.Chairman, Mikerevic,
Mr. High Representative, Petrisch,

Dear friends,

Relief, pride and hope are following this signature on the birth certificate of Bosnia and Herzegovina as an European state. It comes on the end of hard, long and winding road.

Today we are finally marking the new beginning by putting Bosnia and Herzegovina on reversible course to European statehood and to full participation in Euro-Atlantic integration processes.

Time to move the focus away from collectivism, the nation and the state, to a citizens and his individual future, finally has come.

We are aware that tremendous tasks lay in front of us. Speaking on behalf of those who have being promoting non nationalistic and reformers concept of Governance in my country, I would like to say, once again, that we are read for the challenges ahead of us.

Last year has changed a decade lasting paradigm of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a country whose differences were weaknesses and liabilities.

Today we are showing not only to Europe but to ourselves as well, that differences among us, who are staying here and representing the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, just like differences of Europe, can be our strength and assets.

Today’s signing ceremony and the raising of the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina in from of this European building has indeed multiple and not only symbolic meaning of victory of the new beginning for new Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It clearly shows the appearance of new Bosnian paradigm on horizon: country framed by rule of law; state institutions that are serving to its citizens; and the rise of new economy.

Let me conclude by thanking once again all those who believed in us and helped us, especial to the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina Mr. Petrisch.

Now we see the light that we have been looking for such a long time, the light at the end of the Balkans tunnel. New horizons are clearly opening.

Thank you.