Ferguson explains what the United Kingdom does in BiH

British Ambassador Edward Ferguson yesterday published a new blog in which he explains how, upon arriving in BiH, he encountered the term "conspiracy theory". Among other things, he clarifies the strategic goals of the British Embassy in BiH. The Bosnian news agency Patria publishes the blog in full.

- When I arrived in Mostar in July for language training, one of the first new phrases I learned was „conspiracy theory“. It was even more amusing when my teacher showed me a TV programme about the American HAARP system, which, allegedly, is not only the cause of floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also of natural disasters from Haiti to Japan. In the UK, we have a saying: never let the truth get in the way of a good story!

Since taking up the post of British Ambassador, I have encountered numerous conspiracy theories concerning our role here, some of which have been supported by people at the highest levels of government. In recent weeks, we have been accused of plotting to restore the Ottoman Empire, planning to burn down government buildings during the February riots, and using British soldiers to influence citizens' votes in the general elections.

Of course, all of this is utter nonsense, and I do not think anyone truly believes it. If the 30 employees of the British Embassy could achieve all this, then they should all get raises. But it got me thinking. We talk a lot about how important it is to increase transparency. Therefore, I decided to publish, for the first time, the goals of the British Embassy's work. These goals reflect British interests in Bosnia and Herzegovina and guide and shape all our activities in support of them. They serve as the basis for measuring our performance and progress, and we are allocated financial resources based on them.

The goals of our work are divided into two groups: four-year strategic goals: 2014/15 – 2017/18

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has obtained EU candidate status.
BiH is stable, its government is more functional and accountable, the risk of collapse/conflict is low, and the need for international support is reduced.
The rule of law is deeply rooted. Judicial institutions function effectively. Serious efforts are beginning to address the issue of corruption.
The NATO Membership Action Plan for BiH has been activated. The Armed Forces of BiH continue to develop and participate in international peacekeeping operations.
A better business climate in BiH. More transparent decision-making by the government. Increased options for UK companies.

Goals for 2014/15:

Free and fair elections in 2014, with campaigns focused on socio-economic issues and the EU path. A new state-level government formed quickly.
An EU coordination mechanism agreed upon. A coordinated approach by BiH to EU pre-accession funds (IPA funds) and relevant sub-committees.
Support for the new EU economic plan, including the Growth and Employment Agreement, cooperation with international financial institutions to achieve progress.
Through embassy projects, establish mechanisms and develop working capacities to increase efficiency and public trust in the justice system. A project dealing with war crimes supports EU funds in increasing the number of processed cases.
Continued support for the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) achieved through projects and advocacy, with successful presentation of the PSVI Protocol and continued work with the judiciary, police, military, NGOs, and institutions to have BiH adopt this policy.
Support the development of civil society, empower citizens, especially those from business groups, media, NGOs, women, and youth, so they can work on and engage in local and state political processes (cooperation with the EU and other partners).
Support state and entity strategies for fighting corruption, together with the EU and other donors, with a focus on their practical application, e.g., processes and legislation that will help fight corruption and support the judiciary.
Support capacity building of the Ministry of Security and security agencies through public outreach and projects, to promote better inter-police cooperation and regional cooperation and to act on issues of organised crime, corruption, and threats to a secure environment.
Establish an effective and transparent process for selecting and training officers in the Armed Forces of BiH.
Support UK companies in entering the BiH market.

There are a few more goals concerning the handling of consular cases and the management of the Embassy's funds and personnel, but basically, that is it. That is what we do. It may not be as interesting as some fanciful conspiracy theories, but in my book, it is much more important and significant.

We will soon begin updating our goals for the next year, so I am very interested in your opinions. Are these goals too ambitious, or not ambitious enough? Have we focused on the right things? What could we do more of, and what less? And how do you assess our progress in achieving the goals I have just presented to you? Please tell me what you think. Until then, I am returning to plotting conspiracies aimed at achieving world domination while stroking my fluffy white cat…