Cormack: Political leaders' will needed to overcome crisis

A reception was held at the US Embassy in Sarajevo on the occasion of the US Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th, and Ambassador Maureen Cormack emphasized in a statement to the media that she is honored by the large number of people who come from all over BiH to celebrate this holiday, writes the BiH news agency Patria.

- Tonight I will talk about the importance of the role of citizens in the US and I hope to provide some ideas that will be helpful to BiH. Tonight I will welcome a delegation from Dayton that closely cooperates with Sarajevo.

Responding to journalists' questions about the political stalemate in BiH and the path to the EU, Cormack said that the message is clear: the EU doors are wide open for BiH.

- Political leaders and parties have committed to following that path. I think it is time to overcome doubts and move forward. I have often said that political leaders must have the will to move forward. Today, the members of the Presidency of BiH were at a meeting with Angela Merkel, and this shows their important role on this path. It is also necessary for citizens to do what is in their power to help overcome the political crisis. Political will is simply needed - said Cormack.

Numerous figures from political, cultural, and public life in BiH, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps, are attending the reception.

Ambassador Cormack also spoke in her address about the connection between Dayton, the city where the Dayton Peace Agreements of BiH were signed.

- The citizens of Dayton cherish a special friendship with BiH. The peace negotiations held there more than two decades ago mean that Dayton and BiH will be forever connected, and the fact that leaders from Dayton are here today celebrating our national holiday is proof of this lasting bond.

The residents of Dayton understand the similarities between our countries perhaps better than most Americans. They understand the similarity between our beginnings and our foundations, that America and BiH are two countries where citizens from different regions and with different pasts dared to shape a new future together.

She also emphasized that citizens, "we the people," will decide whether freedom and new opportunities will be provided to the next generation.

- It is "we the people" who will determine whether our two countries continue their incredible journey and whether they will realize their incredible potential.