Serbian Foreign Minister: RS will not be abolished, calls for new era of reconciliation on Dayton Anniversary

In an op-ed published in the newspaper Politika, which dedicated its weekly theme to the anniversary, Djuric stressed that while standing firm on the status of the entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Belgrade will "always offer a hand for joint projects, from highways to joint appearances on the world market."

Minister Djuric urged for unity in upholding the foundations of the peace accord. "I know that everyone cares about the equality of our peoples in BiH, and that is why we should defend that equality together, within the framework of Dayton, not against it," he stated.

He also appealed to the international community to cease its practice of "selective justice and selective empathy." Djuric warned that "peace in the Balkans will not survive if one nation constantly feels humiliated."

Patriotism as bridge-building

The Foreign Minister affirmed his identity and commitment to reconciliation: "I am not ashamed to say that I am a Serb first and that I will always defend Serbian national interests. But I am also proud to say that today I am one of the biggest advocates of reconciliation in the Balkans."

He emphasized a modern interpretation of patriotism, stating that "being a good Serb today means being a good neighbor, being a patriot means building bridges, not walls."

Concluding his message, Djuric called for the anniversary to mark a new beginning: "Let this thirtieth anniversary of 'Dayton' be the beginning of a new era, an era in which we will finally close the chapter of war and open the chapter of a common future. An era in which every tear, every mother, every victim regardless of name and surname will be equally respected. An era in which children in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, Belgrade, will learn the same lesson: that peace is the greatest victory we have all achieved together."