The U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Maureen Cormack said that just three months after taking over she is already “very frustrated” because she feels that the current suffering is “unnecessary and can be overcome”.
Cormack talked with representatives of BiH news agencies and said that she is in BiH for three months and during that time she traveled around the country, met many people in Sarajevo and her first impressions of BiH citizens are excellent.
“Honestly, what makes me frustrated is that this country has so much potential, not only when it comes to citizens, but the nature here is magnificent, there is great potential for tourism and the energy sector… However, this does not advance because of political corruption, obstacles who prevent that,” said Cormack, stressing that she is “very frustrated because I feel that the current necessary and can be overcome.”
The Ambassador said that she truly hopes that during her mandate she will be able to cooperate not only with the authorities but also with citizens of BiH so people can be supported in achieving progress towards a better future.
“You have a great location and I hope people will be able to use it to this country’s advantage,” she said.
As for the possible closure of the Office of the High Representative (OHR), she says that the attitude of the international community, i.e. the Peace Implementation Council is clear for years. There are “five plus two” goals and requirements, some are met, and some are not. One of them is the signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, which should happen this year.
“However, the most important requirement is BiH as a stable, successful country on a clear path towards the EU. To be clear, all the elements exist in order for that to be done if there is the political will to go in that direction. And in order to have the political will, I think citizens should look for more accountability from their politicians for the promises they made during the election campaign and in his official speeches,” according to the US ambassador.
She stated that the United States have a “very strong” cooperation with the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina when it comes to dealing with the global threat of terrorism especially in light of the departure of volunteers to fight in Iraq or Syria.
She pointed out that BiH was the first country in the region to adopt a law banning departure to foreign battlefields. In recent months, there were three actions arrests, and some of these cases are now going through the judicial system.
“I think it is imperative here that people are held accountable for their actions, that these cases do not ‘disappear’, and that these people have to go to jail if the court so decides on the basis of their activities,” she said.
(Source: Fena)
