Escobar again in Sarajevo, US announces sanctions ahead of Summit for Democracy

SARAJEVO; (Patria) - In the week when the Summit for Democracy (Thursday and Friday) organized by the US State Department is being held, a document has also been published that should represent a new plan for the fight against corruption on a global level, which, among other things, includes sanctions as a potential tool in the fight against illegal activities.

The fight against corruption on a global level will also include the imposition of sanctions against officials of other countries and individuals accused of corruption and human rights violations. 

The Wall Street Journal reported that White House officials see sanctions as an important weapon in the Biden administration's efforts to launch what it calls a democratic renewal around the world.

The administration also said it would prioritize ensuring coordinated international action, which is key to ensuring the effectiveness of sanctions.

"During the week, the Treasury Department will take a series of actions to designate individuals involved in malicious activities that undermine democracy and democratic institutions around the world, including corruption, repression, organized crime, and serious human rights violations," an official said.

This very week, Gabriel Escobar, the special envoy of the US Secretary of State for the Western Balkans, arrives in Sarajevo, who during a previous visit spoke about sanctions against individuals. 

This is the third time in a month that Escobar is coming to BiH, after US envoy Matthew Palmer and EU representative Angelina Eichhorst held talks with political representatives on electoral reform. They are expected to return to BiH next week for, as some representatives claim, final negotiations.