The past year was challenging and Bosnians will likely face more challenges in the coming year which they must overcome together in the spirit of mutual respect, top officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina said in their congratulatory messages on New Year’s Eve.

“The period ahead will be full of challenges, but I have no dilemma when it comes to the readiness of people who love Bosnia and Herzegovina to stand up for it. It will take a lot of perseverance, diligence and hard work, but Bosnia and Herzegovina will survive and develop,” the Bosniak member of Bosnia's tripartite Presidency wrote.

He stated that the idea of an integral and democratic Bosnia and Herzegovina, a state of equal citizens and peoples that is obliged to guarantee equal rights for everyone is strong in the country.

One of the main things the year 2021 will be remembered for is the ban on genocide denial and glorification of convicted war criminals which was imposed by the former High Representative in the country, he said.

“The effect of this event is not only in reducing genocide denial and glorification of war criminals, as one of the worst forms of hate speech. The effect of this law is that it instilled hope and showed that what seemed impossible to many is possible – and that is that we regulate Bosnia and Herzegovina according to civilization standards,” his message said.

Dzaferovic’s colleague in the Presidency, Bosnian Croat Zeljko Komsic, said in his message to BiH citizens that the coming year will likely be even more challenging.

“We all need a lot of patience, wisdom and determination to adequately respond to the various and complex obstacles that lie ahead. We also need more mutual understanding, compassion and respect. It is the responsibility of all of us to fight for a more prosperous future of our country and all its citizens, who deserve to enjoy equal rights and freedoms,” he wrote.

The Chairman of Bosnia’s Council of Ministers, Zoran Tegeltija, called for “the spirit of unity” in the country in order to build a better future for all citizens.

“The year behind us was full of challenges, but it also taught us that only through joint efforts, internal dialogue and mutual respect can we build a better society, achieve economic progress and stop the departure of young and educated people from our region,” he wrote.