Commenting on the publication by the SNSD party of a book on its website attacking named NGOs and commentators, EUD/EUSR spokesperson Andy McGuffie said:
“Open and inclusive dialogue with NGOs, media and intellectuals is a basic principle of the EU integration process. This dialogue should be advanced in innovative ways in Bosnia and Herzegovina; recent protests in BiH have highlighted the need for institutional and political forces to listen carefully to citizens.
“The recent publication on the website of the SNSD is deeply disturbing and falls way below the standard of productive social dialogue. The kind of divisive rhetoric employed in this publication can only undermine mutual trust and further polarize the political atmosphere. Political parties, especially those governing the country, should help provide a framework and introduce reliable practices for communication and cooperation between the non-governmental sector, media and the political establishment.
“We urge all political parties and authorities to engage in productive partnership with NGOs, media and academia, and to reject tactics of promoting fear and distrust. Only on that basis will we see an authentic partnership on all issues of mutual concern and importance to citizens.”
