Greminger ends visit: Rhetoric of political leaders slows down real progress of BiH

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - For the benefit of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is crucial to focus on the long-term benefit of political dialogue and compromise, rather than on achieving short-term political points, stressed OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger, during his two-day visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina which ended today in Sarajevo.

Secretary General Greminger met with members of the BiH Presidency Dragan Čović, Mladen Ivanić and Bakir Izetbegović, and discussed with them amendments to the Election Law, segregation and discrimination in the education system, and reconciliation processes within the country and the region.

- We are disappointed by the lack of progress in adopting amendments to the BiH Election Law, in line with the recent decision of the BiH Constitutional Court - stressed Greminger, adding that it is “imperative that political leaders engage in a constructive and transparent dialogue, in order to reach a solution before May”.

Greminger emphasized that the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to closely cooperate with other international partners to support dialogue and compromise, but that the parties in the dialogue themselves must engage more.

Greminger also met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Josip Brkić.

- BiH remains a true and strong partner of the OSCE. We will continue to support reforms and constructive efforts of all parties to move this country forward.

The Secretary General met with the Chair of the House of Representatives and the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, Ognjen Tadić and Borjana Krišto, and their deputies Bariša Čolak, Safet Softić and Šefik Džaferović.

- It is important to highlight the progress that Bosnia and Herzegovina has made over the past decade, including the implementation of the reform agenda. However, I am very concerned about the current polarized political climate. The negative rhetoric of political leaders diminishes everything that has been achieved so far, thereby slowing down real progress.

Greminger also visited Travnik where he met with the Prime Minister of the Central Bosnia Canton, Tahir Lendo, and the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Katica Čerkez.
- Discrimination and segregation in schools harm the most valuable resource of this country – the youth. An inclusive and non-discriminatory education system is key to reconciliation and long-term stability. 

During visits to Vitez High School and Mixed Secondary School Vitez, Greminger met with principals and spoke with students. He emphasized that young bright minds represent the future of this country. They deserve equal opportunities and quality education, stressed Greminger.

Together with the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bruce G. Berton, the Secretary General presented today in Sarajevo the report of the OSCE Mission to BiH: “Monitoring the Processing of Corruption Cases in BiH”.

- Corruption is a phenomenon that lies at the heart of many problems we encounter in our societies. It weakens the economy, undermines democracy and the rule of law. It also erodes citizens' trust in government institutions. The fight against corruption is a long-term process that requires bold leadership, a change in values, and the engagement of all of us.

Greminger also met with representatives of the international community and civil society in BiH, as well as with members of the OSCE Mission to BiH. During his visit, the OSCE Secretary General was accompanied by the Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, Bruce G. Berton, and the Ambassador of Italy to BiH, Nicola Minasi, on behalf of Italy as the country chairing the OSCE in 2018.