PRESS RELEASE

Decrease tensions and preserve peace

The non-governmental organizations gathered around the Human Rights House have expressed great concern with the complication of political relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the rise of inter-ethnic tensions. The current situation, which is characterized by the use of hate speech, intolerance and threats, as well as announced mass protests and stirring of ethic passions, is painfully reminding the citizens of this country of the period that had preceded the bloody events of the beginning of the nineties of the previous century. Facing the risks and hazards of the current political situation, the civil society organizations have expressed unambiguous dedication to preservation of peace, and appealed to the politicians in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the neighbouring countries to invest maximal efforts in preventing the recent tragedy from being repeated. We appeal to the politicians to commit themselves to protecting peace at all costs and trying to find the best solutions for this grave crisis through talks and negotiations

Both Bosnia and Herzegovina and its direct neighbours are facing a common challenge and a historical chance to become closer to the European Union and become its members soon. This challenge requires wisdom in resolving of open issues and statesmen who will be up to the task and the time we are living in.

We underline the responsibility of political leaders, whom we invite to immediately give up the inflammatory rhetoric and encouraging of unwanted reactions that could bring into question the progress achieved in establishment of peace and normalization of life in the country.

The civil society organizations gathered around the House of Human Rights also invite representatives of the international community to invest maximal efforts in stabilization of the situation in the country and finding of solutions for the newly created situation through democratic methods and procedures.

Srđan Dizdarević
Chairman of the Steering Board
of the Human Rights House in Sarajevo

Date: 27 October 2007
Number: 08-10/2007

▲ To the top