It is necessary to quickly appoint a new government. Also there is a need for a true desire of BiH politicians to cooperate with the European Union (EU) in relation to serious issues that require political will in order to achieve the results expected by the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said in an interview with FENA the Ambassador of France in BiH Claire Bodonyi.
Voters in Bosnia and Herzegovina voted in sovereignty and she said that it was not up to her to comment on their choice, and “France will work with representatives elected by BiH.”
“Elected politicians in BiH are facing a huge task, especially when it comes to improving the socio-economic situation, education and health system as well as the stabilization and improvement of institutions in BiH,” said Bodonyi.
Economic cooperation between France and BiH she evaluated as a “lively one”, citing examples of large French companies operating in BiH.
“In terms of exports, French brands do well on the BiH market, including auto industry. However, this cooperation deserves to be intensified, especially if we compare it with the existing in neighboring countries,” said Bodonyi, adding that they are working on it to the benefit of both countries.
In this respect, she believes that the simplification of the work of institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and limiting the constraints are necessary to attract more French investors. She also believes that the tourism and gastronomy are excellent areas for cooperation between France and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“You have probably heard of the project “Goût de France – Good France”, which was launched by France calling the caterers from BiH to adapt to French cuisine to the Bosnian one. It is the brainchild of one of the most famous French chefs, Ducasse,” said Bodonyi and expressed a wish that caters from BiH apply and show their talent.
Asked whether there is an interest of French diplomacy towards BiH and what are its main characteristics, she replied that the French interest is “decisive” and for several reasons.
She listed some of them, including the fact that France was the first country to open an embassy in BiH, in January 1993, then during the conflict from 1992 to 1995 in BiH, political, diplomatic and military involvement of France was very strong (84 soldiers were killed during the operations, and the French forces were deployed in the besieged Sarajevo as early as the summer of 1992).
She also recalls of the fact that the peace agreement that ended the war was initialed in Dayton and signed in Paris in December 1995. In addition, the involvement of France, she says, continued in a time of renewal as well as through the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC).
In this context of getting closer of France and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bodonyi recalls that France has initiated, together with Slovenia and the EU, the organization of a donors’ conference for assistance to Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina after the floods.
“The conference was held on 16 July in Brussels, and was prepared on 8 July in Paris. In this regard, France has paid one million euros for reconstruction projects in flooded areas,” said Bodonyi.
“We will continue to work tirelessly for BiH. We should also keep track of BiH in terms of reforms of its administration, which is in the center of all the reforms,” said Bodonyi, adding that it is clear that BiH, in civilization sense, historically and geographically is a European country.
Therefore, in her opinion, it is necessary to discover “where are the blockades “, and she says, probably they are in the non-functional and asymmetric character of the institutions of BiH. Also she considers that BiH “must have only one position on the issues being discussed with the EU,” and she pointed out that it is the case with all countries, whatever the constitutional organization, a centralized state or a federation.
“One country – one stance. This mechanism should allow for different levels of Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach an internal agreement on all issues relevant to the EU. However, authorities in BiH fail at it and therefore cannot effectively work with the EU. And that is where the blockade is because they fail to work together on concrete matters,” said Bodonyi.
She emphasized that “Bosnia and Herzegovina should not expect everything to come from the EU but also to take destiny into its own hands, the way it was done by all the European countries that entered the EU.”
The German-British initiative she characterized as a “new map for the European path, since the BiH authorities have not realized earlier proposals of the EU.”
Bodonyi points out that the EU does not add new conditions but proposes to change the order of the already proposed ones in order to overcome the current deadlock.
“But it remains for all the work to be done so that BiH would become a candidate for the EU and it is again necessary to have political engagement of the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Bodonyi.
“BiH is beautiful, nature is amazing, cultural heritage undisputed. But I must admit that the presence of waste everywhere spoils the impression of untouched nature,” said Bodonyi and added that climate change, which is justifiably an evr present topic, must make everyone to do their best to limit pollution with simple gestures.
“BiH citizens who have suffered severe flooding, can only be more aware of the need to be environmentally conscious,” stressed Bodonyi.
She concluded that “landscape without inhabitants is not complete” and expressed admiration with Bosnians who, in her opinion, are hospitable and cheerful, with a great sense of humor.
“It is very brave. In particular, I mean the young people, and BiH needs their dynamics for further progress. I prefer to talk with the young in schools. It always gives me optimism, because they are our future. I wish them much success in building their personal and professional life,” said the Ambassador of France in BiH Claire Bodonyi.
(Source: Fena / photo: Radio Sarajevo)
