American Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Michael J. Murphy sent his most sincere congratulations to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the occasion of March 1 – Independence Day.
“March 1st is much more than an opportunity to mark this historical moment. This day is also an opportunity to mark the democratic progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina over the past three decades and to acknowledge all the hard work, perseverance and sacrifice of the citizens who made this progress possible,” stated Ambassador Murphy in his blog message.
He pointed out that independence is not so easy to achieve, and the United States knows that, but that independence gives citizens the opportunity to determine their own future.
“Together with our international partners, we proudly stand by the people of BiH who have chosen a future in the Euro-Atlantic community of countries and built the necessary state institutions that lead them to that future. The establishment of these judicial, financial, security and other state institutions is a historic achievement and a big step towards fulfilling the promise of an independent Bosnia and Herzegovina – a strong, democratic and prosperous state,” the Ambassador wrote in his congratulatory message, the American Embassy announced.
He emphasized that the greatest success was the formation of the multi-ethnic Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in which Bosniaks, Croats, Serbs and others serve honorably side by side in the country and outside its borders for the security of BiH and all its citizens, adding that they support training programs for officers, procurement of key equipment and funds to joint exercises, the United States has been the closest partner of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the past two decades.
“We look forward to continuing to strengthen that strategic partnership in the years ahead. As part of our ongoing commitment to BiH and its citizens and their desire for a Euro-Atlantic future, the United States has provided more than two billion dollars in aid since 1995 to support BiH. institutions, as well as democratic, social and economic progress at all levels of government,” he also stated.
He noted that of course there are disturbances because BiH institutions are now exposed to attacks by leaders who seek to destroy the progress made in the past 31 years or who seek to control them for their own, corrupt interests, and that many of these leaders even seek to distort history.
“Politicians like Milorad Dodik and his allies ignore the reality that the leaders of Republika Srpska, including his political party, worked with their colleagues from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to build these state institutions by voluntarily transferring competences in the interest of a better, more functional Bosnia and Herzegovina. This denial of facts and the alleged legal claims that we hear from Republika Srpska are not only an attack on the state institutions that BiH worked diligently to establish – they are an attack on the very spirit of compromise that transcends ethnic and political lines, and which is at the heart of the Dayton Peace Agreement,” he pointed out.
He emphasized that this type of policy that only serves its own interests prevents Bosnia and Herzegovina from realizing its full potential, and reminded that the failure of the April package from 2006 was a missed opportunity to implement reforms and strengthen Bosnia and Herzegovina. institution and acceleration of the country’s progress towards the European Union.
”Since then, this same maximalism has caused the failure of many subsequent attempts to implement basic reforms and establish functionality, resulting in one of the most ineffective periods in the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina. authorities, the one after the 2018 election,” he reminded.
With these challenges in mind, Murphy believes that the United States and its international partners must step up their engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, not withdraw.
”Our promise to support the sovereignty, institutional and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its multi-ethnic character is not mere rhetoric – it is a real, long-standing obligation that we fulfill every day. Those who doubt our permanent commitment to the country or that BiH belongs to the West – or suggest that it may have stronger allies in Russia, China or Iran – are very much mistaken,” warned Murphy.
He emphasized that more than a year after the start of the unprovoked, illegal, brutal and all-out Russian invasion of Ukraine, it is more important than ever that the United States and its allies redouble their efforts to help BiH strengthen its democratic institutions and reaffirm that its is a place in the Euro-Atlantic community of countries.
According to him, this means that we should use the momentum created by granting BiH candidate status for membership in the European Union and adopt the reforms necessary for negotiations on joining the EU, for eradicating corruption, reviving the economy and eliminating discrimination.
“BiH needs concrete steps, no more action plans, otherwise this opportunity will disappear. This means strengthening the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and providing sufficient resources so that the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina can modernize and fulfill their obligations to provide security to Bosnia and Herzegovina, its citizens and contribution to global security. It also means implementing long-stalled defense reforms to strengthen the Armed Forces’ partnership and cooperation with NATO.”
This means the implementation of the reform of Bosnia and Herzegovina, of the judiciary, which is increasingly becoming a tool for such activity, instead of being an obstacle to corrupt activity. Too many judges work for politicians, not for justice. Too many prosecutors avoid prosecuting difficult and challenging cases that impinge on the interests of political leaders or their parties.
This means that the degree of transparency of BiH should be increased. electoral system in order to fight against the irregularities we witnessed in the 2022 elections so that citizens no longer doubt whether their vote is really valid. It’s time for Bosnia and Herzegovina. the parliament adopts a package of measures concerning the integrity of the electoral process,” the American Ambassador stated.
He pointed out that the United States will do its part, continue to identify and sanction individuals responsible for corrupt and anti-Dayton activities and ensure financial and political support for the institutions of this country and work to strengthen – not only maintain – democracy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He also announced the continuation of support to the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina in accordance with the long-standing belief that the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina lies in the Euro-Atlantic institutions, including the NATO alliance.
“We will continue to provide assistance in the fight against corruption, creating conditions for economic growth led by a strong private sector and promoting reconciliation. We also hope that BiH political leaders do their part. It is a privilege for us to celebrate Independence Day together with the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are looking forward to the joint celebration of this day in the years ahead,” according to the congratulatory message of the American ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina on the occasion of March 1, the Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina.