The time has come to correct the deficiencies of the Dayton political system and overcome all obstacles to our building a successful future, said a joint statement of 112 students from all parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The students joined an advanced workshop titled ‘Utilizing the power of cooperation’ in the central town Jajce from 20 to 22 November, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, a treaty which ended the Bosnian 1992-95 war and which contains the country's constitution.

The workshop in Jajce was preceded by six meetings held in cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“We advocate a firm commitment of BiH to respect European values and ideas, as well as to harmonize legal regulations with the European Union laws, and we encourage the strengthening of regional cooperation (support for the “Mini Schengen” initiative) and bilateral relations,” said the students.

The event was held under auspices of the Bosnian branch of Belgrade-based think-tank East-West Bridge (EWB), with support of the US Embassy in Sarajevo, which gathers scholars from 60 countries.

The students had an opportunity to exchange their ideas with EWB ambassadors Igor Davidovic, Jakob Finci, Drasko Acimovic, Lamija Tanovic, Zlatko Hadzidedic, Slavenko Grgurevic, Drazen Barbaric and Damjan Jugovic, discussing constitutional law, negotiations and diplomacy.

US Ambassador in Bosnia Eric Nelson said he was pleased to see the students decided to mark the Dayton Agreement anniversary by looking forward.

The students said in their statement they strongly objected the elements of discrimination and segregation in the education system, calling for its adjustment to the best world standards.