Schmidt: If the blockade continues into 2022, there is a risk it will be even worse than the previous year

(Patria) - High Representative Christian Schmidt sent New Year's greetings to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"As we enter the New Year, I wish everyone in this beautiful country health, peace, and a good life. And I want to share with you, the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, my firm conviction that there is a path forward for this country and its citizens.

From the numerous conversations I have had in the capitals over the past five months, I have concluded that the international community is ready to help Bosnia and Herzegovina follow that path. This also requires commitment, dedication, and effort from everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina itself. You and we together can help this country become a home again where everyone can have a future to look forward to. Join us, inspire us, help us in this endeavor.

This will require cooperation from everyone, especially political leaders. Officials are elected and appointed to serve the citizens who, in a democracy, are the true and only rulers and who want a better future, here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, for themselves and their children. And as far as I am concerned, they are the ones I work for. Unfortunately, there are obstacles ahead of us. If the blockade that prevented progress in 2021 continues, then there is a risk that 2022 will be even worse than the previous year.

Everyday life will be harder than it should be; public services, including much-needed medical services, not only in the fight against the pandemic, will be inadequate, and the standard of living will not improve.

Tens of thousands of people leave this country every year. The reason for this is no secret. They leave because they feel their voices are not heard. They do not see their future here and feel helpless. I have spoken with them. I have listened to them. They keep telling me the same thing. They do not expect miracles or a paradise on earth, they simply want a decent life in a normal country. Which is, in fact, a modest wish. Citizens demand that poverty be stopped, that corruption be ended, and that the future of their children in this country be stopped from being destroyed. These justified demands cannot and must not go unanswered.

Therefore, I call on those who make decisions in Bosnia and Herzegovina to make better decisions and work for progress. This is a decision I made myself when I accepted the position of High Representative. Allow me to thank you once again for the warm welcome and the many offers to work together everywhere in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, Tuzla, Trebinje...

The original and sustainable message of the Dayton Peace Agreement is: Never again hatred, never again violence, never again war! Instead, cooperation and peaceful coexistence for the benefit of everyone in this country. In a country that should be part of a united Europe. My job is, with the support of the Peace Implementation Council, to help all of you make this a reality for your country – Bosnia and Herzegovina.

When it comes to an election year, my wish and what I ask for in 2022 is that the political debate not be marked by inappropriate comments and insults. Everyone deserves respect, especially those who are no longer among the living. Politeness, decency, and respect, not insults, lead to successful cooperation and collective progress. I say this on behalf of my predecessors as well, who have given a lot to serve this country and its people.

The only worthy goals as we enter the new year are overcoming the pandemic, creating new jobs, slowing down the departure of people and talents, and finally starting to build Bosnia and Herzegovina into a country that allows its citizens to thrive, and this can only happen with a decisive confrontation with key problems such as corruption and the lack of the rule of law. We can do it. Together, we can move forward on a better path," Schmidt stated in his address.