Ronald Johnson, candidate for ambassador of the United States of America (USA) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in his presentation before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, said that if he is confirmed to this position, he will work to preserve stability and encourage responsible leadership throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as to advance American interests and limit the space for the malignant influence of Russia and China.
Before the candidate’s address, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a member of the Minority Committee, said that she couldn’t wait to hear Johnson’s address, and pointed out that the USA helped stop the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina 30 years ago, and that the Dayton Peace Agreement ensured that the country would not return to violence, but that peace should not be taken for granted.
Political leaders continue to question territorial integrity, as Shaheen noted, sovereignty and state institutions.
“Genocide denial and glorification of convicted war criminals continue to divide nations and Russia uses this to destabilize the region and block close ties with Europe,” she said.
Shaheen stated that despite the lifting of sanctions against Milorad Dodik, he continued to question the authority of the BiH state.
She said that Dodik said just this week that he dreams of a referendum on the separation of Republika Srpska, and that when political leaders around the world condemned the glorification of Ratko Mladic last week, the State Department remained silent.
She also pointed out that the State Department recently stopped calling the crime in Srebrenica genocide, which is far from the position of long-standing American policy and the position of Congress.
“The USA helped bring peace to BiH, we cannot send mixed signals as to whether we will help defend it,” said Senator Shaheen.
She also added that there was genocide in Srebrenica, and that she herself was there and talked to the survivor, as well as that she knows who is responsible for him.
Johnson said that he is aware that Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing complex and long-term challenges, but he believes that his experience, leadership experience and knowledge of the region have prepared him to face these challenges decisively and judiciously.
“If confirmed, I will work to protect American citizens and advance American interests in BiH. I look forward to working with Congress in support of President Trump’s ‘America First’ foreign policy agenda,” Johnson said.
He stated that the USA remains committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as to the peace established by the Dayton Peace Agreement.
“Dayton ended the devastating conflict in the heart of Europe and laid the foundations for three decades of stability and progress. Today, the US wants a stable, safe and prosperous BiH that is a constructive partner of the US,” he pointed out.
Johnson stated that he would work to preserve stability and encourage responsible leadership throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Given that the elections are fast approaching, as he said, it is important that political leaders focus on responsible management and ensure concrete results for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He also added that he will cooperate widely and continuously with all communities and actors across the political spectrum to help reduce tensions, deter escalation and preserve stability, thereby creating conditions for a better future for all.
In his presentation, Johnson said that 30 years after Dayton, BiH’s future should increasingly be shaped by the actions of its own leaders and institutions, and that if he is confirmed, he will encourage pragmatic solutions to political and economic challenges that will be initiated and managed at the local level, and support efforts aimed at strengthening cooperation between different communities in BiH.
He added that he would prioritize the expansion of economic and trade cooperation between the USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Greater trade exchange, investments and cooperation in the field of energy can create opportunities for American companies, while supporting economic growth and prosperity in BiH”, explained Johnson, and added that he will work to improve energy security, increase American exports and create a business environment that will encourage American investments in key sectors.
Johnson pointed out that the US is dedicated to promoting stability and prosperity in the region.
“If I am confirmed, I will work with BiH and our partners to limit the space for the malignant influence of Russia and China. By cooperating with my colleagues, I will work to weaken transnational criminal organizations and other malignant actors that exploit political, economic and security vulnerabilities. A stable and prosperous BiH is in the interest of both the US and the citizens of BiH,” he stressed.
After the presentation, the members of the Committee asked the candidates questions. Shaheen had questions for Michael Young, candidate for ambassador to Serbia. She referred to the burial of Ratko Mladić in Serbia, which was attended by state officials, and the military honors given. She said that this was unheard of and that it was important for the US to come clean about what happened in Srebrenica, and asked him if he personally believes that what happened was genocide.
He confirmed that it is a historical and legal fact that there was genocide in Srebrenica.
Shaheen told Johnson that Dodik, among other things, attended Mladić’s funeral, advocates for the independence of the RS, and asked him if, if he is confirmed, he will closely monitor what is happening in the RS, and give recommendations on what to do next.
Johnson said that there is currently a political climax and rhetoric on all sides ahead of the elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and added that he assures the Committee that he will present the USA with accurate information about the situation in the country.
Shaheen also asked Johnson if he thought there was genocide in Srebrenica, which he also confirmed.
In addition to Johnson and Young, Julia Nesheiwat (nominee for the Arctic), Steven Gillen (for Kyrgyzstan), and Nutan Patel (for Cape Verde) also appeared before the committee, BIRN reports.
