The United States encourages the government of Bosnia Herzegovina to seize the opportunity provided by the European Union’s decision to open accession talks with the Balkan nation.
Toward that end, the United States will continue to advocate for the secure, democratic, and prosperous future that the citizens of Bosnia Herzegovina have chosen, firmly anchored in the Euro-Atlantic community of nations, said Ambassador Robert Wood, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at the United Nations:
“We encourage leaders to avoid ethno-nationalist agendas and focus on accountable, transparent, and efficient governance. The destabilizing actions of certain politicians threaten Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlantic integration, its democratic institutions, and the Dayton Peace Agreement.”
The continuation of actions by some political leaders – including Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik – that deny that genocide was committed during the war is a serious concern, stressed Ambassador Wood:
“Let me be clear: Srebrenica was not simply a ‘mistake,’ as he stated. It is an indisputable fact that genocide was committed in Srebrenica. This has been established by international criminal tribunals and the International Court of Justice. This is why we welcomed the decision by the High Representative to prohibit persons who have committed genocide from standing for elections. This should not be controversial, and every UN member state should stand behind that decision.”
“Politicians pushing these divisive narratives are doing so in pursuit of narrow personal and political gains,” warned Ambassador Wood.
“Republika Srpska President Dodik is the most egregious example. He has taken a series of steps to undermine state institutions, and regularly calls for the dissolution of the country. His dangerous actions and secessionist rhetoric threaten peace and stability in the region.”
The United States has sanctioned Dodik and those who enable his corrupt and anti-Dayton actions in order to induce him to operate within Bosnia and Herzegovina law and the governmental structures created by the Dayton Peace Agreement.
The United States remains steadfast in its support of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multiethnic character. The U.S. will continue to support the Dayton Peace Agreement as the foundation of peace and push back on anti-Dayton actions.
