Cormack: It is critically important that demonstrations remain peaceful!

The United States is concerned about the lack of progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the engagement of BiH citizens is encouraging, but it is critically important that demonstrations remain peaceful, stated this evening Ambassador Maureen Elizabeth Cormack, who was appointed by US President Barack Obama as the new ambassador of the United States of America to BiH, reports the BiH news agency Patria (NAP).

Nominated Ambassador Cormack addressed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee this evening.

She spoke about her future engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, after which this Committee will vote on her appointment. NAP reports the most important parts of her brief address. Cormack recalled that she has worked on BiH and Balkan issues several times in her career, stating that she participated in the appointment of staff for the first US embassy in Sarajevo after Dayton.

- The US has invested a lot in BiH with the intention of strengthening democracy, human rights, and the economy in BiH, and thanks to that, the country has progressed. However, we cannot dismiss the risk of regression. BiH and the US have a special bond, as we helped to end the war and bring peace to that country – said Cormack.

She announced that she will work directly with the citizens of BiH. She said she supports BiH's desire to join the European Union and NATO.

- BiH leaders have promised to fulfill the conditions for this and for the end of the High Representative's mission, but they have not yet fulfilled even the basic steps. Constitutional changes are necessary for the EU and the country's progress. As seen in the protests, people are frustrated because politicians are not responding to their problems. Despite this, there is progress, demonstrations and citizen forums are a hope, but it is critically important that they remain peaceful – she stated. Cormack emphasized that the progress of Croatia and Serbia is an additional motivation for BiH.

Committee Chairman Senator Markey, introducing the ambassador, said he believes that with her leadership, she will strongly contribute to the mission of the State Department and in her new role in BiH.

Senate confirmation is the final step in appointing an ambassador, after which Cormack, if confirmed, should take up her position in Sarajevo. Cormack is a career diplomat, she worked at the State Department as Deputy Coordinator of the Bureau of International Information Programs. Among other things, Cormack also served as Director of the Office of Western European Affairs from 2009 to 2010, and as Deputy Director of the Office of Korean Affairs from 2006 to 2009.

She worked in Homeland Security committees from 2005 to 2006. She joined the State Department in 1989. Cormack earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and her master's degree from the University of Chicago.