Croatian Defense Minister: Croats in Bosnia unfairly treated, lack representation

Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić declared in Mostar that the status of ethnic Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina is "completely unjust" because they are unable to elect their own representatives. Speaking ahead of the 33rd anniversary of the founding of the Croatian Republic of Herceg-Bosna, Anušić emphasized Croatia's role as an ally and partner to Bosnia and Herzegovina, while also paying special attention to Croats there as "our people."

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Croatia is an ally, of course, and a partner to Bosnia and Herzegovina. But it also looks with special attention to the Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina as our people. We want Croats to have their political independence, and we will insist on that.

"We want Croats to have their political independence, and we will insist on that," Anušić told reporters. He affirmed that Croatia will continue to politically support the right of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina to choose their own representatives in government. He stressed that Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina have the right to political representation, a right he believes is currently denied.

Anušić conveyed greetings from Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, highlighting Croatia's unwavering support for the Croat people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He reflected on the historical context of the Croatian Community and later the Croatian Republic of Herceg-Bosna, noting that the circumstances of the time, including war, shaped political actions aimed at the defense and survival of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Earlier, Anušić, along with other delegations, laid wreaths and lit candles for fallen defenders in Mostar.

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The message I bring from Croatia is further political support for the completely unjust status of the Croatian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the inability to elect their representative.

Dragan Čović, president of the Croatian National Council of BiH, described the founding of the Croatian Republic of Herceg-Bosna as an important day for Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina and for the Croatian nation as a whole. He asserted that Croats have survived where the institutions of Herceg-Bosna and the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) persisted. During the anniversary event, a photo-monograph titled "1860 Days" by Jozo Pavković was presented. The book chronicles wartime and immediate post-war events in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1991 to 1996, featuring over 3,000 photographs and news records across 15 chapters.

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The founding of the Croatian Republic of Herceg-Bosna is an important day for Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and for the Croatian nation as a whole.