A forum “The Significance of Independence Day for the Development of Statehood in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 21st Century” was at the Faculty of Islamic Sciences, UNSA
This evening, a forum entitled “The Significance of Independence Day for the Development of Statehood in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 21st Century” took place in the amphitheater of the Faculty of Islamic Sciences at the University of Sarajevo.
The guests of the forum included academician Professor Dr. Mirko Pejanović, a professor and vice president of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Dr. Vahid Karavelić, a retired general of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Following the remark that “we are living in turbulent times,” Academician Pejanović emphasized the importance of reflecting upon and learning from the period preceding the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
— It was not only a tumultuous time but also historically challenging, and the Parliament's proposal for independence was both valid and democratic. It became even more democratic following the decision that citizens would directly determine, through a referendum, whether their country would attain the status of a sovereign and independent state in the future.
Pejanović: The referendum demonstrated a consciousness about the homeland
The citizen turnout reached 63 percent of the electorate, which at that time was extraordinary, Pejanović noted, asserting that this demonstrated a high level of awareness regarding their homeland.
General Karavelić emphasized the crucial point that following international recognition by the European Community, the United States, and other countries, direct aggression ensued.
— The Serbian nationalist regime in Belgrade awaited the international community's acknowledgment of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Once that occurred, aggression was immediately initiated. The goal of the aggression was to attack from the east across the Drina, supported by forces within Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to sever and exhaust the state and compel it to capitulate, Karavelić reminded the audience.
Karavelić: The aim of the aggression was to sever and exhaust the state
Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Sciences, Professor Dr. Mustafa Hasani, regarded the hosting of this academic discourse on Bosnia and Herzegovina and its significant historical dates as highly important.
This event provided an opportunity for relevant speakers to reflect on the political and social aspects that shape contemporary Bosnia and Herzegovina.
— Love for the homeland is one of the values we recognize as believers. The homeland is best defended through an awareness of its significance, and awareness cannot exist without knowledge. This is precisely one of the reasons we organized this forum—to remind ourselves of the events that are crucial for us today, Dr. Hasani stated.
Hasani: Students and graduates of the Faculty stood in defense of the homeland
As Dean Hasani pointed out, remembering the past is closely tied to understanding the present and shaping one’s relation to the future.
— I would like to state that a significant number of students and alumni from this faculty sacrificed their lives in defense of the homeland, while many others regularly joined the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dean Hasani recalled.
This event gathered numerous students and staff from the Faculty of Islamic Sciences, as well as other visitors interested in the topic.
