Djuric in Dayton: We are fighting for peace and demanding an end to the witch-hunt against Serbian leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric, who is visiting Dayton to mark the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Agreement, emphasized that he expects considerable pressure for Serbia to change its stance on supporting the Republic of Srpska within Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also acknowledged that calls to end the witch-hunt against only Serbian leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina may not be welcomed by many, but affirmed that he will fight for Serbian interests, for peace, and for cooperation in the region.

Today, ahead of the event commemorating three decades since the signing of the Dayton Agreement, Djuric met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.

"I am deeply impressed by President Donald Trump’s strategic vision, which Landau shared with us. Truly, President Trump’s contribution to peace-building efforts in Europe is of key importance to our immediate future," said Djuric.

He added that openness to dialogue, the search for solutions that meet the interests of all sides, and a readiness for compromise represent a vision of the future that considers the needs of ordinary people, economic development, and the creation of a new atmosphere in international relations.

"I have been working for years to improve Serbian-American relations. We haven’t had friends and phenomenal interlocutors like these in the Washington administration for many generations. This is a historic opportunity to advance bilateral relations and elevate our 144-year-old partnership to a strategic level. Together with President Aleksandar Vucic, we will work to harness the full potential for developing economic, political, and all other ties with a country where nearly 10% of all Serbs in the world reside — over one million people of Serbian origin live here," Djuric stated.

He noted that Serbia faces "a very difficult day" in Dayton, as not all meetings will be equally pleasant and cordial.

"I expect pressure here as well, from many sides — representatives of other countries and parts of the international community — for Serbia to change its stance regarding support for the Republic of Srpska within Bosnia and Herzegovina, to stop demanding that problems be resolved through internal dialogue that respects the views of all democratically elected representatives. Our demands for the witch-hunt against only Serbian leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to end will not be welcomed by some participants, but we are here to firmly defend Serbian interests, our future, and peace. Our vision is that the Balkans can be a region of success, future, and cooperation. We oppose attempts to drag us back into the past by creating a hierarchy among war victims and labeling only one side — particularly the Serbian side — as guilty," Djuric said, adding that despite this, he believes there will be friends and allies who will understand Serbia’s position.