Today marks exactly one year before the 100th anniversary of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s declaration of war on Serbia.
Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia on the 23rd July 1914, which included demands such as the suppression of anti-Austro-Hungarian propaganda in Serbia and for action to be taken against those suspected of playing a role in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
The majority of points in the ultimatum were accepted by the Serbians.
However, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on the 28th July 1914.
Austria-Hungary was spurred on by Berlin’s promise of a ‘blank cheque’, or unconditional support for whatever action the Austro-Hungarian Empire chose to take against Serbia.
Centenary plans
The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra has announced that it will perform at Sarajevo Vijecnica (city hall) on the 28th June 2014 to mark the Centenary of the assassination.
France and Germany also announced in April 2013 that they would provide funding to the City of Sarajevo to mark the outbreak of the conflict.
A programme of events in the city will include commemorations, academic reflection upon the conflict, as well as cultural and athletic events for the month of June 2014.
A foundation – Sarajevo heart of Europe – has also been established by France and the city of Sarajevo. The foundation will be involved in the commemorations.
Centenary News spoke to the Mayor of Sarajevo, Ivo Komsic, on the 99th anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
The Mayor said that “it is important to remind ourselves of the tragic consequences of war and send a message of peace” and gave details of Sarajevo’s Centenary plans.
Further details from Austria and Bosnia about plans to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War at regional, national and international levels are expected in the coming year.
Posted by: Daniel Barry, Centenary News