Power conveyed Joe Biden's message: US stands with the people of BiH

(Patria) - Samantha Power, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development USAID, announced a meeting with the BiH Presidency, and said she would convey a message from President Joe Biden that "the US stands with the people of BiH".

This will be the first meeting of Presidency member Milorad Dodik since the US imposed new sanctions on him.

"We will talk to you again after that meeting, after discussing the current political deadlock the country is in. It is clear that threats of withdrawal from state-level institutions threaten the stability achieved 26 years ago with the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement," Power told reporters in Sarajevo.

The diplomat added that withdrawal threats make no economic or political sense.

"We want to discuss how the US can help the aspirations of all people in BiH. That should be the focus of BiH institutions. How to develop the economy, how to create new jobs, how to fight the pandemic that is growing again in this country, as well as in mine," said Power.

Finally, the diplomat said that corruption will also be a topic of discussion, which, she said, is a huge obstacle to what citizens of BiH strive for, which is economic dignity and prosperity.

"The US and our European friends are committed to fighting for accountability," said Power, commenting on the sanctions against Presidency member Milorad Dodik, adding that the US will not hesitate in the fight against corruption, but also against destabilizing factors.

Power's visit comes at a time of increased tensions and heated rhetoric. During her visit, as previously announced, the Administrator will emphasize the need for all actors in BiH to work on unity and strengthen joint efforts to build a secure and stable future for all citizens of BiH.