Wolfgang Petritsch, the former High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina told N1 that the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina "has an advantage when it comes to religion."

Petritsch said that BiH is a European Islamic country in many ways.

“We have European Islam in Germany and Austria, namely, we have hundreds of thousands of Turks living here – they also practice Islam. Bosnian European Islam is very valuable and should not be greatly influenced by the Turkish authoritarian ruler Erdogan,” said the Austrian diplomat.

He added that Muslims, therefore Bosniaks, in Europe are “part of it (Europe)”.

“Muslim culture and religion is part of Europe: it was like that before, it will be like that in the future, maybe even more so. The idea of Europe is based on humanity and equality, acceptance of all cultures and religions. We know that Europe is secular, which means that no religion is followed in public life, but there is absolute respect for the practice of all religions, including Islam,” Petritsch concluded.