INDEPENDENCE DAY MARKED IN BH

SARAJEVO, Mar 1 (Hina) - The Independence Day of Bosnia-Herzegovina (BH) was marked in Sarajevo on Saturday with the laying of wreaths at cemeteries containing the victims of the four-year siege of the Bosnian capital and a solemn reception at the Presidency of BH. Five years ago, on this day, by voting at a referendum, the citizens of BH decided to take theirs and the fate of their country into their own hands, the President of the Presidency, Alija Izetbegovic, said on this occasion. "It was our choice between an unworthy security and freedom. The price was high, extremely high, but we couldn't go on living with bent heads. I am proud that five years ago we did not stop before threats and that we voted for freedom in spite of everything. Bosnia is passing through huge difficulties, but (we) are overcoming them", Izetbegovic said and pointed out that he was confident that the idea of an integral and democratic Bosnia would win in the end. Deputy High Representative, Michael Steiner also addressed the citizens of BH, "Bosniaks, Serbs, Croats and all others", saying that a lot had to be done for a permanent strengthening of peace. "I congratulate all citizens of BH on all that has been achieved and I am looking forward to our working together to ensure progress in the year ahead of us", Steiner's note said. 1 March was chosen as a national holiday in memory of 1 March 1992, when more than 60 percent (99.6 percent of Croats and Bosniaks) of Bosnia's citizens opted for independence from Yugoslavia. At the time, the Serb Democratic Party (SDS) called on Bosnian Serbs not to take part in the referendum and refused to acknowledge the results. When it had become clear that the referendum would succeed in spite of all SDS' threats and blockades, at 00.00 hours of 1 March Sarajevo's most important roads were blocked by Serb paramilitary units. (hina) ha 012008 MET mar 97