Bosnia-Herzegovina celebrates 20th year of independence (2)

SARAJEVO (A.A) - March 1, 2012 - Bosnia-Herzegovina celebrates on March 1 the 20th anniversary of the declaration of its independence in a referendum led by the late Alija Izetbegovic and his close friends following the break up of former Yugoslavia and the establishment of Slovenia and Croatia. Bosnia-Herzegovina celebrates the 20th anniversary of this "honorable day" after paying a painful price. In an exclusive interview with the Anadolu Agency (AA), the European Union's (EU) Special Representative for Bosnia-Herzegovina Valentin Inzko said that he was optimistic about Bosnia-Herzegovina as a country celebrating the 20th anniversary of its independence. Just as a 20-year-old person continues to grow, so does Bosnia-Herzegovina. 20 years is a very short period in the history of states, Inzko underlined. Bosnia-Herzegovina's development continues in a fine and positive fashion. When you consider the fact that it had no state symbol or institutions after the war, Bosnia-Herzegovina is a real story of success, Inzko stressed. Change in Bosnia-Herzegovina must take place slowly. Bosnia-Herzegovina must make constitutional amendments step by step. This would make everyone have equal rights in the country. There are Turks, Albanians, Czechs, Slovakians and Austrians living in Bosnia-Herzegovina. They should all have equal rights. They should have the right to elect and be elected, Inzko said. I want the citizens of Bosnia-Herzegovina to believe in this state. Those citizens who are not happy should wait and be patient without losing their own identities, Inzko noted. No one is expected to become less Serbian, less Bosnian or less Croatian. They can all be citizens of Bosnia-Herzegovina without losing their identity, Inzko said. Touching on Turkey's policy on Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Balkans, Valentin Inzko said that he approached Turkey's and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's regional policies with respect. Certain circles in Bosnia-Herzegovina argue that Davutoglu's policy is 'Bosnian and favoring Islam'. This is not accurate. Mr. Davutoglu goes to Belgrade, Zagreb, Banja Luka and other cities to hold talks, Inzko underlined. I am highly pleased with the tripartite meetings of "Bosnia-Herzegovina-Serbia-Croatia" that began after an initiative by Turkey, Inzko stressed. Turkey has no interests in question or benefits when it brings together these three countries to have dialogue. Turkey merely wants Balkans free of clashes and conflicts and makes efforts in this direction, Inzko said.