Yesterday afternoon, a memorial service was held at Westminster Abbey in London to commemorate the life and work of former High Representative Paddy Ashdown . The work, dedication and energy he devoted to the post-war reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its society will always be remembered. Ashdown, a British Liberal politician, was the High Representative of the International Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina until early 2006.
The commemoration was led by the Reverend Dr. John Hall. “ We have come to thank Almighty God and celebrate a man who dedicated his life to the British Royal Marines, to diplomatic service, to membership of both houses of Parliament, to the leadership of a political party and, ultimately, to successful representation at the United Nations and the European Union in war-torn Bosnia and Herzegovina. At this time, we pray especially for the justice and peace for which Lord Ashdown stood throughout his life,” said Dr. John Hall.
The commemoration was attended by many distinguished guests, including representatives of the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina; High Representative Valentin Inzko , Chairman of the Presidency of BiH Željko Komšić and Reisul-ulema of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina Husein-ef. Kavazović , and representatives of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian community in Great Britain.
“Paddy Ashdown will be remembered as one of the pioneers who led that country on the path of prosperity, whose goal was to bring a better future and progress to everyone. Bosnia and Herzegovina has lost a true friend, who loved that country and its citizens with all his heart,” said High Representative Inzko, as reported by OHR.
At the start of the service, Michael Shanno , a Royal Marine, and grandson Matthias Theurel , symbolically laid Lord Ashdown’s sword on the altar next to the Reverend in remembrance. General Matthew Holmes CBE DSO, Commandant of the Royal Marines, read the Royal Marines’ prayer. John Major , a former British prime minister and friend of Lord Ashdown, who he described as a “spontaneous optimist”, addressed the congregation, which included former prime ministers Tony Blair, David Cameron and Gordon Brown.
Reis Kavazović, at the request of the family, read several verses from the Koran in the Bosnian language. “We are here to pay our great respect and gratitude to Lord Paddy Ashdown for what he did for Bosnia and Herzegovina in his service as a high representative. We are immensely grateful for all that we still enjoy today from those reforms he undertook. We can freely say that probably the most hardened criminals would still be living freely in Bosnia if it were not for Lord Paddy Ashdown,” Kavazović said.
The President of the organization “Remembering Srebrenica” Dr. Waqar Azmi also honored the commemoration with his presence. “Lord Ashdown was one of the world’s most powerful voices for Bosnia, advocating for the victims and survivors of the genocide. I admired his energy, passion and determination to make a difference. We mourn with his family and thank him for all he did,” said Dr. Azmi.
Lord Ashdown was one of the strongest supporters and advocates for Remembering Srebrenica and the Bosnian people. After stepping down as High Representative in 2006, Lord Ashdown continued to advocate for Bosnia and Herzegovina, advocating in the House of Lords, to the media and speaking at numerous Srebrenica Remembrance Day commemorations. Lord Ashdown, who lived with his wife Jane in Norton-sub-Hamdon, Somerset, died last December aged 77.
