Speech by Chairman Bevanda at the traditional Christmas reception

Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BIH Vjekoslav Bevanada hosted the traditional Christmas reception in Sarajevo. (Chairman's speach is published in its entirety.) 

Dear and most respected friends,

Today we assembled here to celebrate the birth of a new hope, arrival of Saviour of all peoples in the world, which is the embodiment of the Word of God – to celebrate a “festivity above all festivities”, as St. Francis said for Christmas.

Since Christmas has been celebrated for the first time, in the IV century, until nowadays, the celebration of the date, when the world was saved for Christians, has become the Universe for all peoples of the world. This holiday is recognised throughout the world as a sign of love, joy, humbleness and unselfishness – features found in all sacred books and which were recognised as core values of the mankind regardless of faith, nation or race.

It is merely these values that are indispensable to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s society so that a lasting well-being and peace could be guaranteed to this turbulent country; they are needed for us, and finally to the coming generations – that is to say to our children and children of our children. This is not a populist platitude – this is a strong, wholehearted, desire of mine.

Such aspirations are possible to realise through mutual understanding and respect by us as three equal and constitutive peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in regard to the smallest and most vulnerable people – Croatian people – de facto, not only de jure.

In his message to Corinthians, Apostle Paul wrote: “For you know ... that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2. Cor. 8.7.9.13-15). In the light of this message, if we all in BIH only would be merciful and earnest to each other, I am confident that that we could live in well-being for a long time and guarantee lasting peace to citizens of this country.

May a worm light of Christmas find its way to your hearts, and may Christmas reflect in mutual love and respect. To Catholic believers and their nearest ones I sincerely with blessed and merry Christmas, and to believers of Orthodox faith for the up-coming Christmas and I want to extend congratulations and wish the “May Divine Peace be upon You”!

To all of you together, I wish an affluence of health, peace, happiness and success in New 2013 year!

Thank you for your attention, I wish you all the best and God Bless You?