Nenad Stevandić stated that the declaration on condemning hate speech, Islamophobia, and alleged false narratives about Bosniaks and BiH would largely not be disputed if not for the individuals who signed and initiated it.
- “We cannot take seriously calls for reconciliation when they come from figures whose previous actions contradict such messages,” Stevandić said, referring to various political actors he considers controversial.
He added that many claims within the statement contradict the reality in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in Sarajevo.
According to him, the document denies the existence of antisemitism, while citing the cancellation of a gathering of the Conference of European Rabbis in Sarajevo as an example of tensions.
Stevandić also argued that for BiH to function as a “bridge between East and West,” the positions of all three constituent peoples must be respected, rather than, as he claims, being shaped solely by Bosniak political representatives.
He further stated that the involvement of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina in initiating the declaration raises concerns about the proclaimed secular nature of the state.
- “Islamic identity is not an obstacle to a democratic and secular system. The problem arises when religion is used as a dominant political framework,” Stevandić said.
He emphasized his support for peace, mutual respect among constituent peoples, and adherence to the constitutional structure established by the Dayton Peace Agreement.
Stevandić concluded that political and religious instrumentalization must end, and that the concept of a civic BiH should not be used, as he claims, to mask attempts at centralization or dominance by one group.
Source: RTRS
