US Embassy in BiH rejects accusations of interfering in elections

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - "The United States does not interfere in the electoral process. We strongly reject these terrible accusations. We do not support any party, any candidate," stated the Public Affairs Office of the US Embassy in BiH on Wednesday.

We are transmitting the statement in its entirety:

"The United States has shown its commitment and dedication to the citizens of BiH for more than two decades, and despite this, irresponsible actors continue to draw us into conspiracy theories, unfounded accusations, and, literally, lies. We firmly believe that citizens should have the opportunity during the election campaign to discuss issues that will determine their future and the future of their families. However, public discourse is completely dominated by fear-based rhetoric. This is unacceptable, and due to this very poisoned atmosphere and constant attacks, the time has come for us to speak out.

The US Government and the US Embassy are not enemies of BiH, its citizens, or its two entities; we are friends to all citizens who want a more positive future for themselves and their families. The real enemies are, as we all know, corruption, unemployment, poor services in the education and health systems, and self-focused politicians who, instead of addressing these issues, try to turn the United States and other friends of BiH into its opponents. The efforts of politicians to deceive the public shortly before the elections and hide their true intentions with solemn openings of roundabouts, offers of free services in hospitals, and other seemingly useful activities, represent mockery and insult the citizens of BiH. That's not all – their efforts also include the misuse of public funds and the involvement of war criminals in campaigns, as well as falsely accusing Bosnia and Herzegovina's long-time allies of hostile activities.

We refuse to be part of this manipulation.

The United States does not interfere in the electoral process. We strongly reject these terrible accusations. We do not support any party, any candidate. Furthermore, we remain genuinely committed to supporting credible and transparent elections and will always warn against vote buying, identity theft, and other forms of electoral fraud whenever we detect them.

Such activities are in line with our long-standing support for the rule of law and the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic integration of BiH," the statement from the Public Affairs Office of the US Embassy in BiH stated.