April 7, 1992: United States recognition of BiH’s Independence

The Bosniak-American Advisory Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BAACBH) would like to commend the United States for its recognition of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH) independence on April 7, 1992.

The United States was one of the first nations in the international community to recognize BiH's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. As the former Yugoslavia was dissolving, the United States emphasized its commitment to democracy by fully supporting the government of BiH in its political transition despite the fact that B-H was engulfed in a war of aggression and genocide.

For the past seventeen years the United States has remained a committed and loyal ally of BiH, its people, and its Bosnian-American citizens. In partnership with the international community and the Congressional Caucus on Bosnia, co-chaired by Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Congressman Russ Carnahan (D-MO), the United States is a leading voice in support of B-H's Euro-Atlantic integration and NATO membership. In the 109th United States Congress, House Resolution 199 and Senate Resolution 134 resolved that from April 1992 to November 1995 aggression and genocide was committed against B-H and its population by the Serb para-military forces aided by the Yugoslav People's Army. These Resolutions re-affirmed the United States' commitment to support BiH in its efforts in reconstruction, peace and post-conflict reconciliation, and democratization as a united and sovereign nation.

Today, BAACBH and the Bosnian-American community congratulate BiH on the 17th anniversary of recognition of its independence by the United States. We remember the heroic leadership of the United States as it intervened to stop the ethnic cleansing and genocide in B-H. We also pay tribute to the innocent victims, as well as honor and salute the service of the United States military in maintaining peace after the signing of the Dayton Peace Accords.