Anusic from Mostar: 'The status of Croats in BiH is completely unfair, they do not have the opportunity to choose their representative'

In Mostar, Croatia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić reiterated his country's continued support for the political independence of Croats within Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Speaking ahead of the 33rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Herceg-Bosnia, Anušić emphasized that Croatia will persist in backing the right of Croats in BiH to elect their representatives in government, as their current political status is deemed unjust. The remarks were delivered during a ceremony marking the anniversary, which included laying wreaths and lighting candles for fallen defenders in Mostar. Anušić stated that Croatia is both a partner and ally of Bosnia and Herzegovina, yet it views the Croatian community within BiH as part of its own nation. He asserted that Croatia supports the political autonomy of Croats in BiH and will remain steadfast in this stance. According to reports, he highlighted that the current political status of Croats in BiH is entirely unfair, preventing them from selecting their own representatives. This sentiment was echoed in multiple accounts from local media, including the Hina and Večernji list, which quoted Anušić directly. The ceremony in Mostar also featured a tribute to the sacrifices made by Croatian defenders during the wars of the 1990s. Anušić, alongside other delegations, laid flowers and lit candles at memorials dedicated to those who lost their lives defending the region. His speech underscored the historical significance of the establishment of the Republic of Herceg-Bosnia, noting how wartime conditions shaped the political actions taken to protect and preserve Croatian communities in BiH. President of the BiH Croat National Council Dragan Čović praised the founding of the Republic of Herceg-Bosnia as a pivotal moment for Croats in BiH and for the Croatian nation as a whole. He noted that Croats have endured in areas where institutions of the Republic of Herceg-Bosnia and the Croatian Defence Council still exist. Čović’s comments reflected broader sentiments among Croatian officials regarding the need for greater recognition and representation of the Croatian minority in BiH. During the commemorative event, a photo-monograph titled "1860 dana" by Josip Pavković was presented. The work chronicles the war and immediate post-war events in BiH from 1991 to 1996, featuring over 3,000 photographs and newspaper articles documenting military conflicts, political developments, and daily life. The monograph spans 1,184 pages and is organized into 15 chapters, covering regions of Herzegovina. It was introduced by prominent figures including Čović, president of the BiH Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts Mladen Bevanda, and president of the Croatian Matica Damir Zorić. The event drew attention to the ongoing challenges faced by the Croatian community in BiH, particularly regarding political representation and institutional recognition. While Croatia has historically supported the rights of its diaspora, the situation remains complex due to the constitutional framework of BiH, which grants equal status to all three constituent peoples, Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks. Despite these legal provisions, many Croatian leaders argue that the practical implementation of these rights remains inadequate. As the commemorations concluded, the focus shifted back to the present, with discussions continuing on how best to advance the interests of Croats in BiH. The event served as a reminder of past struggles and the enduring importance of preserving cultural and political identity in a region marked by deep historical divisions. The future of Croatian representation in BiH remains a topic of ongoing debate, with calls for further dialogue and reform.