Power: President Biden expects BiH institutions to function, RS withdrawal is bad for the people

(Patria) - Samantha Power, USAID Administrator, said that "Bosnia and Herzegovina is at another crossroads today" and that "the sustainability of 26 years of peace is being called into question".

“Leaders here are trying to sow division and are not sufficiently focused on the challenges that affect the lives of ordinary citizens who want to live in freedom, dignity, and security. Dodik has particularly created a climate of tension that can lead to the risk of escalation. In the BiH Presidency, I emphasized the importance of peace and the danger of secessionist rhetoric and actions,” Power said at the first press conference in BiH held at the National Museum.

She emphasized that she spoke with investigative journalists, young leaders, and also with survivors of war camps. All of them said they were worried and afraid, that they did not see a future in BiH, and that they were tired of the rhetoric politicians use to raise tensions and increase divisions. Former camp inmates of all ethnic groups said, according to Power, that their testimonies are a reminder that this country must never go backward and allow what happened in the past to be repeated.

“President Dodik has particularly created a climate of tension, a climate that is vulnerable and can lead to escalation. I had a frank meeting in the BiH Presidency, I emphasized the importance of peace and the danger of secessionist rhetoric and actions. Every young person told me they are fed up with politics, that it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to see a future in a country facing corruption and divisions. I called on the members of the Presidency to be problem solvers, not creators or aggravators, and I conveyed the message that talk of war, mentioning war, makes it very difficult to attract investments and build a strong and sustainable economy that will create jobs,” said Power.

She stated that the US was not there in 1992, but that it was there after and during 25 years of peace, and that it will remain BiH's main partner in its development.

“We stand with you and all the people in BiH. The citizens of this country do not want to return to the past or accept the status quo. The US does not want that either. You deserve a democratic future without ethnic tensions and corruption. All politicians must stop attacks on BiH institutions and help democratic reforms to happen,” said Power.

She spoke about USAID projects implemented in BiH, as well as today's launch of BiH promotion on TripAdvisor. She stated that many beautiful things are possible in BiH, but that politicians must work on reforms.

Given that the press conference was held at the National Museum, she recalled its history and stated that today, thanks to the citizens who fought for it and the workers who did not give up, it is stronger than ever, and its doors are wide open to everyone.

“This museum bears the scars of the siege, but despite its turbulent history, this museum did not close during the war. It remained open from its founding in 1880 until 2012, when political disagreements and misguided economic policies achieved what the war could not, which was the museum being closed for three years. The museum survived two world wars and the conflict of the last century, but it could not survive peace,” said Power.

However, the situation is different today. She said that this was achieved thanks to the struggle and pressure of citizens, to whom politicians eventually yielded.

“The museum is now economically more secure than ever before, open to all citizens of this country. I wish the same for the citizens of this country,” Power concluded.

Samantha Power also answered journalists' questions. She confirmed that the US is concerned about the political crisis in BiH.

“Especially because of the consequences of blockades and obstructions, as they set back all progress and slow down its advancement. Obstructions mean that state institutions are taken away from the citizens they are supposed to help, especially during a pandemic. Corruption is one of the main reasons why people do not see their future here,” said Power.

She conveyed a direct message from President Biden, who expects state institutions to function.

“We, the US, will continue to invest in state institutions,” she added.

Regarding US sanctions lists, Power confirmed that new names will be added to the sanctions list.

“As we see the crisis. We see it as dangerous, some very important political leaders do not wish well for their people. If Republika Srpska withdraws from state institutions, it is not only undermining Dayton but is also bad for the people in Republika Srpska. It is also problematic for Republika Srpska itself economically because politics and economics are connected. Investors will withdraw, take their money and say I'm going to Serbia or Croatia,” she said, adding that she cannot predict when state institutions will function.

She recalled the case of Mirsad Kukić, who resigned or will resign as president of the PDA party due to sanctions.

She emphasized that people who claim that sanctions do not bother them spend a lot of time explaining and talking about them.

“Sanctions are barriers for individuals and business entities. The impact on individuals is visible, sanctions are directed at individuals, not groups,” said Power.

Ambassador Eric Nelson said that “sanctions are working”.

“In a country where there is no punishment for corruption, these sanctions work. Sanctions are a call to action for the judiciary to intensify the fight against corruption. Sanctions have shown their impact so far. We will continue to use them when necessary,” he said.

Power also emphasized that any country that wants progress and integration into the EU must have a functional and integrity-based judiciary.