Sarajevo, (Fena) – Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, a pivotal moment in the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This milestone highlights not only the conclusion of the war but also the ongoing challenges facing the country’s society and politics.
The agreement concluded the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which spanned from 1992 until its official end on December 14, 1995, marked by the signing of the agreement in Paris. The primary signatories included Alija Izetbegović, Slobodan Milošević, and Franjo Tuđman.
It was facilitated by American diplomat Richard Holbrooke and General Wesley Clark, with the formal signing taking place at the Élysée Palace on December 14.
The Dayton Agreement established Bosnia and Herzegovina as a state comprising three constituent peoples and two entities, creating the Federation of BiH and the Republic of Srpska as its primary administrative divisions.
The agreement includes 12 annexes that address the political, military, and legal frameworks for peace, with its most significant achievement being the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of peace.
Nevertheless, the Dayton Agreement resulted in a complex and often ineffective political system that has faced significant criticism and debate over the last three decades.
Many contend that its primary success was halting the war; however, it failed to lay the foundation for a sustainable state, as Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to grapple with internal divisions and ethnic tensions.
Despite these criticisms, the Dayton Agreement paved the way for integration into international institutions, with the European Union and NATO becoming crucial partners in the country’s stabilization efforts.
The thirtieth anniversary is being commemorated through academic conferences and public discussions in Sarajevo, where scholars and politicians evaluate the agreement’s successes and failures.
Special focus is directed towards the state’s functionality and its journey towards European Union membership.
This anniversary serves as a moment to honor the war victims and emphasize the importance of peace, while the Dayton Agreement stands as a symbol of the war’s end and a call for necessary reforms. (21.11.)
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