Washington D.C. - U.S. Representative Mike Turner (OH-10) and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH) introduce a bipartisan and bicameral resolution recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, which ended the Bosnian War and brought peace to Bosnia and Herzegovina. They were joined by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), as well as Representatives Ann Wagner (R-MO), Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Wesley Bell (D-MO). The resolution highlights the significant role of the United States, NATO, and the European Union in the peace process and acknowledges the ongoing efforts of the Bosnian government and people towards building a peaceful and democratic society.
"As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, we reaffirm our commitment to the peace and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina," said Congressman Mike Turner, Head of the U.S. Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. "The resolution not only commemorates the historic agreement that ended the Bosnian War but also recognizes the continued efforts of the Bosnian people and government towards NATO and EU membership. Despite the daunting task of the negotiations and the war raging in Bosnia, there was a prevailing sense of optimism that peace could prevail. As the Mayor of Dayton during the negotiations at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, it was an incredible honor for my community to host such a consequential moment in history. Again, this past spring with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Dayton brought together leaders from the Balkan countries for peace. We must continue to support BiH’s journey towards a peaceful and democratic future."
“Thirty years ago, the United States helped broker a historic peace that ended one of the most brutal conflicts in Europe since World War II,” said Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen. “The Dayton Peace Accords stopped genocide, safeguarded Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and set the country on a path toward stability, democratic reform and Euro-Atlantic integration. As Bosnia and Herzegovina deepens its NATO partnership and advances toward EU accession, this bipartisan resolution reaffirms that the United States remains committed to protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and to supporting a peaceful, democratic future for all the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
Last week Turner returned to the Western Balkans on a bipartisan Congressional trip. During his time in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congressman Turner was named the “Honorary Citizen of the City of Sarajevo” for his significant contributions to the development and affirmation of the City, and development of international and interpersonal relations, on the basis of solidarity, democracy, humanity and tolerance among people. Additionally, Congressman Turner, along with High Representative Christian Schmidt, dedicated the Dayton Peace Square in Sarajevo as a powerful reminder of the ongoing work to strengthen our transatlantic relationship, and the peace that the Dayton Peace Accords brought to that region. (See press release on this HERE)
Today’s resolution notes the critical role of the negotiations that began on November 1, 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, and culminated in the signing of the peace agreement on December 14, 1995. It acknowledges the dedication of foreign service professionals, the global community's support, and the City of Dayton's strong backing during the peace negotiations. The resolution also highlights the establishment of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize in 2006, which recognizes the power of literature in promoting peace.
Furthermore, the resolution commends the efforts of the Bosnian government towards NATO and EU membership, including constitutional reforms, strengthening governing structures, and undertaking necessary economic, rule of law, and judicial reforms. It urges the government to continue pursuing these reforms and to uphold the integrity of the tripartite presidency. The resolution also encourages continued regional cooperation to combat the malign influence of foreign actors and recognizes the contributions of the Bosnian-American diaspora in the United States.
Read full bill text HERE.