The process of reconciliation in the region has begun. But this process is still not finished although the things have progressed significantly. A situation is much better comparing with the situation of the early 1990. or the end of 1990. Some positive processes have been started and are going their course. Relations between nations are much better now. And we are slowly moving away from the bad conflicting times.
However house is still not finished. It is still necessary to built a few more floors and the roof so that we can live pleasantly in the warm and safe house.
It is important what we already did. But more important is what are we going to do in the future. We must not stop now. This is not enough. If we think that this is enough it can drag us on the wrong path. It can fool us. The only good choice is to continuou with the process of reconciliation based on the things that we hardly made.
All of us are included in that process, all without exception. Some people may have bigger or smoller responsability, like a statesmen or political leaders. But no one has exclusive right on the participation in the reconciliation process. I do not wont to use a word obligation so often, but right on the participation in the process of reconciliation is equal for all of us. Measure of obligation for our participation is actually our relation toward future generations and our posterity. History records cases when statesmen and political leaders have begun the process of reconciliation after the terrible conflicts. Such is the case with european integrations after Second world war. Statesmen have more power in its hands and has a much more powerful instruments to reach the goal of reconciliation. Our region has not been so lucky. But even when reconciliation begins it is impossible without participation of ordinary people. It is the key to success. Participation of all without exception and with no excuses.
What gives a special dimension to the reconciliation process in our region are actually european integrations. Our countries have a european perspective, have a chance to became a member of the European Union in the future. And according to my opinion that fact and related circumstances are giving a „wind in the back“ to the reconciliation process in our region. Even more I am not sure that we would be on this level of the reconciliation if there is not this kind of support.
European integrations are a kind of peaceful project. Many of current member states of the European Union have a conflicting mutual relations. Many of them have been in the war. But they managed to overcome that kind of history.
Today this countries are belonging to the same familiy of nations, cultivate mutual friendly relations and what is more importante they are moving in the same direction. That direction is a one of a social, economic and cultural well being. That way from the conflict and hate to the friendship and communion is only possible through the process of reconciliation.
From the other side, this process must include two main characteristics. Those characteristics are common goal and system of values. European union is today characterised by the clear system of values that is made by this components: human rights and basic freedoms, democracy, economic progress, solidarity, political system based on the social responsibility and etc.
Considering that our region is trying to reach the European union, before that happens we should firstly accept and adopt a system of values that is mentioned above. If we do that first we will achieve two things: first, entry in the Union membership will be a formality for us, and second, we, our societies will be able to bring this reconciliation process to the end. More than that those are two very close processes. They are so close that it is not possible to watch them separately. They are to be described by the same words like a to respect, to try, to value, to recognize etc. Reconciliation process is in fact facing with this challenges. I belive we can do that because our ancestors have cultivated many of this values that are inherent to the todays Europe.
Also we should have the same and common goals. I belive that this would bring us closer and made our cooperation possible. A general goal is or should be integration of the region in the European union. By achieving this we will also achive and many other specific golas like I have described in above. Those specific goals could be a good educational systems, mutual economic investments and trade exchange, solidarity, cooperation in the many different fields and many other things. Educational system is particularly important. It has a huge role in reconciliation. Or could have. It can very easy bring us closer to the important values and ways of living. It can learn us have to respect our neighbors. Educational system in each country is predisposed to do something like this.
No matter where you come from or where you live your human rights and freedoms must be respected in the same way. It is the same for the people from Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia or any other country, region or city. In the same way all people need a good health care system, educational system, posibility to travel and so on.
Positive side of such approach is help and support of European union, as well as other international subjects. So we are not alone in the reconciliation process. This is our huge advantage. Many conflicting regions in the world does not have such a support but they are still going through the reconciliation. So we should learn from such examples.
The European union has created special programs whose purpose is to support development of our region. I think we should use this advantage. A good example is Youth Reconciliation Ambassadors program that is supported by the British embassy in Belgrade. Also Youth Reconciliation Ambassadors program is a smart way how the things could be moved in the right direction. Very useful, very smart and model of work that should be followed. I belive that all people that participated in this program share my opinion.
What each person in the region should do on it’s own level to support reconciliation is actually what twenty youth ambassadors did in the Belgrade from 23. to 28. December of 2012 within Youth Reconciliation Ambassadors program. They spent time in mutual talks, communication, they exchanged opinions and ideas, learned from each other, respected each other, cooperated and all negative emotions, opinions, prejudice and stereotypes put in the second plan.
Then reconciliation is possible, realistic and overall social progress appears as the only proper solution.
