The Congress of North American Bosniaks (CNAB) categorically condemns the illegal and provocative actions of the representatives of the smaller entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for their approval of a draft law on a referendum on January 26th.
This is the latest of the disturbing trends of persistent unchecked secessionist politics that have been ignored by the international community and have allowed for extremists to return to the same ultranationalist policies that led to the worst atrocities in Europe since the Second World War.
The draft bill violates the United Nations Charter recognizing the independence and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1992, according to its historically recognized borders.
We call upon the United States, the European Union, and the larger international community, to take all the necessary steps to preserve peace in the region by enforcing the United Nations Charter. They must annul all illegal legislation and remove from power all of those who dare to resurrect the past policies of aggression, discrimination, and genocide, while hiding behind the curtain of democracy. We need real democratic reform that would fully preserve the rights of all citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina, eliminate ethnic voting which is contrary to democratic principles, and establish a stronger central government by providing a framework for peace and stability for the country.
The future of Bosnia-Herzegovina is at stake. The Bosnian people deserve to live in a democratic country whose path is towards full euro-Atlantic integration, and NATO membership. This path has been constantly obstructed by nationalist politicians who want to resurrect ethnic hatred, and do everything in their power to project Bosnia as a failed state. There can be no place for such politics that echo the Nazi and fascists movements of the early 20th century. The international community should learn from the past and be proactive in dealing with these threats to peace and stability, rather than wait for another war or genocide to occur. It is our collective responsibility to never allow Bosnia to be taken hostage once again by the politics of ethnic hatred and division. Congress of North American Bosniaks stands ready to assist the international community in ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Board of Directors