In these negotiations we are not a helpless object, although great world powers are involved. We play an active role and try to influence our destiny; we have our own trump cards and we use them.
Meaning of the quote
We are not just people that other powerful countries can control. Even though big countries are involved, we still have a say in what happens to us. We don't just sit back and let others decide our future. We have our own ways of making our voices heard and getting what we want.

About Alija Izetbegovic
Alija Izetbegovicwas a Bosnian politician, Islamic philosopher and author, who in 1992 became the first president of the Presidency of the newly independent Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He later served as the first chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
More quotes from Alija Izetbegovic
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.
Bosnian politician, lawyer, philosopher and author (1925-2003)
All in all this is a difficult political struggle which will go on for years, in which our people won’t die anymore; I’m not sure how much we will be able to win, but I’m certain that we won’t loose anything that we have now.
Bosnian politician, lawyer, philosopher and author (1925-2003)
Bosnia is a complicated country: three religions, three nations and those “others”. Nationalism is strong in all three nations; in two of them there are a lot of racism, chauvinism, separatism; and now we are supposed to make a state out of that.
Bosnian politician, lawyer, philosopher and author (1925-2003)
In these negotiations we are not a helpless object, although great world powers are involved. We play an active role and try to influence our destiny; we have our own trump cards and we use them.
Bosnian politician, lawyer, philosopher and author (1925-2003)
I believe that the people, instead of pretty lies, should be told the truth, no matter how ugly it may be. What can we do, destiny hasn’t been kind to us; but, with the help of God, we will prevail.
Bosnian politician, lawyer, philosopher and author (1925-2003)
Our goal: the Islamization of Muslims. Our methods: to believe and to struggle.
Bosnian politician, lawyer, philosopher and author (1925-2003)
The international community is pushing things forward in Bosnia… but it is doing it at expense of the Muslim people. I feel it as an injustice, these are the things that I cannot live with.
Bosnian politician, lawyer, philosopher and author (1925-2003)
We Bosniaks would for sure fight for integrity of Bosnia.
Bosnian politician, lawyer, philosopher and author (1925-2003)