Former United States (U.S.) Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Eric Nelson, stated in an interview that despite speculations arising from changes in the U.S. administration, no significant shifts in Washington’s policy towards BiH should be expected.
Nelson emphasized that, based on recent experiences and a review of Washington’s historical approach to the region, continuity has been more evident than change, particularly regarding territorial integrity, sovereignty, and success.
“What also remains consistent is our commitment to fighting corruption, deterring and countering those who undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement and/or engage in corruption that erodes democracy and U.S. interests. During Trump’s first term, we saw the administration support economic and financial sanctions to advance our interests. I don’t think that will change. Transitions offer an opportunity to reassess what works and what doesn’t. They can also help dismantle some unhelpful rhetoric, like the myth that Washington is anti-Serbian, anti-Croatian, or anti-Bosniak. Washington is simply pro-BiH,” Nelson stated.
When asked directly about claims from Banja Luka, including during his term, suggesting that “political Sarajevo” influences U.S. sanctions by issuing orders to the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo, Nelson explained that the process is far more complex and detailed than it might appear.
“Expect the fundamental principles behind these sanctions to remain as they were four years ago. They still stand. They exist to defend and support the full implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement and to combat corruption. The sanctions are, as you say, a very deliberate, thoroughly documented, and research-based process that spans leadership across BiH. We don’t enjoy imposing sanctions, but we do so when actions are so counterproductive and destructive that they leave no other choice. We hope they act as a deterrent and serve as a reminder to local authorities of the importance of punishing high-level corruption. One positive development in recent years is the successful prosecution of high-level corruption cases in BiH. This is crucial for BiH’s credibility and progress,” Nelson highlighted.
Nelson also addressed those who, as he put it, portray themselves as victims of sanctions.
“Sanctions are fact-driven, but unfortunately, rhetoric often distorts this. Those sanctioned often spin the narrative to portray themselves as victims, perhaps believing it serves them to do so. That’s not the purpose. The goal is to deter behaviors and actions that are deeply corrosive to BiH‘s success and to steer the country toward constructive and positive progress. At all times, we hope leaders take those steps,” said Nelson.
The former ambassador also stressed that regardless of who occupies positions in the State Department or on Capitol Hill, solutions to the issues and relations in BiH will not come from those addresses – they must come from within BiH, N1 writes.
E.Dz.
