Ferguson: Politicians are the ones dividing people in BiH, vote for change

British Ambassador to BiH Edward Ferguson today published a blog written in the local language. Among other things, he writes that he arrived in BiH in July and learned the language in Mostar and Banja Luka, before taking up his post as ambassador in Sarajevo, reports the Bosnian news agency Patria.

As Ferguson said, he started writing the blog to share his thoughts with the citizens of BiH, but also to hear their opinions. 

-  This is truly a beautiful country… Mountains, forests, lakes, rivers – a landscape I love. I can't wait to visit as many beautiful towns and villages as possible. Some of the images that have stuck in my memory are certainly: the jumps from the Old/New Bridge in Mostar, the road from Banja Luka to Jajce along the beautiful Vrbas River, drinking coffee at Baščaršija in Sarajevo and enjoying the tranquility of Blagaj and Prokoško Lake. You have so much to offer tourists - says Ferguson.

Likewise, he writes that BiH is underdeveloped and undiscovered and has an image problem.

- When I told friends in the United Kingdom that I was coming here, the first reaction of most people was to ask me if it was safe. It seems that a large number of tourists come for one day, on their way from Croatia, so the economy gets nothing from it. If BiH wants to attract more tourists, it needs targeted investment. And most of all, the country must appear stable. It needs a functioning government that ensures people around the world hear stories of political reconciliation and positive development. The upcoming opening of the National Museum by the new government would be a strong signal of that kind of intent - wrote Ferguson.

Interestingly, Ferguson speaks very vividly about the people in BiH, stating that he has met hundreds of Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats, but for the life of him, he doesn't know how to tell them apart.

- People here can laugh together, so they can certainly live together. Most of the ordinary people I have met, regardless of their background, religion or culture, share the same hopes and dreams, for themselves and their children. They want what people all over the world want: security, a job, justice, education and healthcare - states Ferguson, adding that it is the politicians who are "determined to divide them".

- It was wonderful to see how communities like those in Maglaj and Doboj came together after the floods to help each other. At the same time, it was striking how uncomfortable some politicians were with this, those who built their positions on divisions and mistrust. What shocked me the most was the willingness to infect young people with the same, unfounded ethnic and nationalist fears and fictions. By separating children, some schools are applying a form of apartheid. Last week I met 200 young people from all over BiH who came to Sarajevo to dance together. They seemed surprised to discover how similar they are to each other. It is crucial to break down these barriers, so that the next generation does not inherit the prejudices of this one - wrote Ferguson.

Among other things, he also said that the current economic situation in the entire country is extremely serious, but also that the international community was wrong given that Dayton was supposed to be a temporary solution, but it left ethnic divisions and excluded minorities.

- Any party elected in October will have a huge responsibility to improve the economy. Despite all this, citizens must cast their vote for change. It is still possible to reform this country for the better, so that it reaches its potential. Remember: if you don't vote, you voted for the winner - concluded Ferguson.

Read the entire blog here