High Representative unveils Dayton Peace Square to commemorate landmark accord

During the unveiling, Schmidt noted that the initiative was sparked by discussions with Michael Turner, the former mayor of Dayton, Ohio, who was granted honorary citizenship of Sarajevo last year. The High Representative described the new square as a symbol of appreciation for the monumental efforts made to secure peace at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base three decades ago.

Addressing the assembly, the High Representative emphasised that the plaque represents far more than a mere title. He called upon those present to uphold the fundamental principles of the accord, namely the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina alongside the rule of law. While acknowledging the inherent complexities and limitations of the agreement, Schmidt maintained that it remains the bedrock of national stability and a vital gateway toward European Union membership.

The High Representative also paid tribute to the indispensable role of the United States in brokering the peace. He remarked that while the future use of the OHR building remains uncertain, the square will stand as a permanent reminder of the transition from ceasefire to a more hopeful future, acting as a pledge that peace must be both preserved and cultivated.

Mayor Samir Avdic echoed these sentiments, stating that the plaque symbolises a shared responsibility and a lasting commitment to stability. He observed that while the General Framework Agreement for Peace is not without its flaws, its primary achievement, ending the violence and the protracted siege of Sarajevo, is beyond reproach. The Mayor described the post-war era not merely as an administrative shift, but as a restoration of dignity and the spirit of togetherness for the city’s residents.

Avdic concluded by affirming that the path toward full state sovereignty is clearly mapped out through the "5+2" conditions. He framed the fulfillment of these requirements as both an international obligation and a moral responsibility to future generations, ensuring Bosnia continues its trajectory toward prosperity and European integration.