Meaning: The quote "As far as the sovereignty of Bosnia-Hercegovina is concerned we agreed to have limited sovereignty for a limited time and that is clear from the Dayton Agreement" by Alija Izetbegovic touches on the complex issue of sovereignty in the context of the Dayton Agreement, which played a crucial role in ending the Bosnian War in the 1990s. Alija Izetbegovic, the first president of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was a key figure in the negotiation and signing of the Dayton Agreement, and his perspective on the sovereignty of the country provides valuable insight into the compromises and challenges faced during this critical period in Bosnia's history.

The Dayton Agreement, officially known as the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was reached in November 1995 in Dayton, Ohio, and it brought an end to the brutal three-year-long Bosnian War. The agreement was brokered by the United States, with the active involvement of key international actors such as the European Union and Russia. The primary aim of the Dayton Agreement was to establish a framework for peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina by delineating the governance structure of the country and addressing the issues of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the rights of the constituent ethnic groups.

In the context of the quote, Izetbegovic's reference to "limited sovereignty for a limited time" reflects the complex nature of the compromises made during the negotiation process. The Dayton Agreement established a unique political structure for Bosnia and Herzegovina, dividing the country into two entities: the predominantly Bosniak and Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the predominantly Serb Republika Srpska. This division was a compromise aimed at accommodating the interests of the three major ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina while maintaining the country's territorial integrity.

The notion of "limited sovereignty" in the quote refers to the fact that the Dayton Agreement granted significant powers to the two entities and their respective governments, including control over areas such as security, education, and culture. This devolution of authority was intended to address the competing demands for autonomy and self-governance from the different ethnic groups, while also preserving the overarching sovereignty of the Bosnian state. However, this arrangement also meant that the central government of Bosnia and Herzegovina had limited authority in certain areas, leading to a complex system of governance with overlapping jurisdictions.

Izetbegovic's statement also alludes to the temporary nature of the compromises made under the Dayton Agreement. The agreement was designed to be a transitional framework, providing a roadmap for the post-war period and the reconstruction of the country. While the immediate goal was to halt the violence and establish a fragile peace, the long-term vision was to create conditions for the eventual reintegration of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a unified and sovereign state, with a functioning central government capable of representing all its citizens regardless of their ethnic background.

The quote by Izetbegovic underscores the delicate balance between preserving the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a unified state and accommodating the legitimate concerns of its diverse population. The limited sovereignty and the temporary nature of the compromises reflected the pragmatic approach taken to address the immediate challenges of ending the war and preventing further bloodshed. However, it also highlighted the inherent tensions and complexities involved in reconciling the aspirations of different ethnic groups within a single nation.

In conclusion, Alija Izetbegovic's quote captures the essence of the compromises and challenges inherent in the Dayton Agreement, which sought to address the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the aftermath of the devastating Bosnian War. The agreement's establishment of limited sovereignty for a limited time reflects the pragmatic and transitional nature of the compromises made, as well as the aspiration for a future in which Bosnia and Herzegovina could reclaim its full sovereignty as a unified and inclusive state. Izetbegovic's words serve as a reminder of the intricate and delicate process of post-conflict peace-building and the complexities of addressing sovereignty in a deeply divided society.