Inzko in Berlin: Politicians should focus on issues important to citizens

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - High Representative Valentin Inzko visited Berlin on September 8 and 9, 2020, to discuss current political developments and the general state of reform processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina with high-ranking German officials.

During the visit, the High Representative met with Susanne Schuetz, Director for the Western Balkans at the German Federal Foreign Office, and with members of the Bundestag, Josip Juratović and Dietmar Nietan.

The High Representative spoke about the current pre-election challenges facing Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the social and economic challenges related to combating the pandemic.

“Local elections are an opportunity for citizens to make decisions based on how politicians propose to solve their everyday problems. At the same time, politicians should not resort to covering up the fact that they have no results or a clear vision for the future by using fruitless, inflammatory rhetoric about protecting national interests or topics concerning regional and world politics,” said Inzko.

Speaking about the upcoming local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the High Representative expressed satisfaction with the fact that local elections will be held in Mostar after 12 years.

“This will put an end to the shamefully long-standing situation in which the citizens of Mostar were deprived of the opportunity to exercise their fundamental rights. The discrimination of Mostar citizens, which has lasted for more than a decade, ends this year,” said the High Representative.

He took the opportunity to thank his interlocutors for the constant, dedicated support that Germany provides to the stability and prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as to the joint efforts of the international community in the country.