Great Britain considering ways to impose sanctions on individuals in BiH

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Great Britain is considering how to impose eventual sanctions on individuals in Bosnia and Herzegovina involved in corrupt practices and undermining the legal system, but is looking for a way not to harm ordinary people, journalist from London Vedad Spahović told N1.

He also emphasized that Great Britain's priority is to strengthen the role of the High Representative in BiH.

He points out that there is a special group of MPs in the British Parliament dealing with this and other issues concerning BiH, which speaks to their commitment to our country.

“They are trying, as stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to minimize harm to ordinary people through sanctions. They are trying to formalize it legally. The Americans haven't done much either, except towards Milorad Dodik, but I am sure they will act and find a way together with Europe. I am convinced that the channels of their further corrupt and anti-constitutional activities will be closed,” said Spahović.

When asked how British sanctions would affect individuals, he said that it is not visible on the surface for now, but that it will certainly have economic effects on those involved in corruption and undermining the legal system.

“This will happen in a process,” said Spahović.

He points out that Britain is less involved in changes to the election law, but advocates for strengthening EUFOR in BiH, the potential stationing of NATO troops, as well as other issues.

One of Great Britain's priorities, Spahović said, is strengthening the role of High Representative Christian Schmidt.

“Great Britain wants Schmidt to adopt the approach that Paddy Ashdown had – he made big cuts and had powers,” said Spahović, adding that Schmidt had consultations in London.

Speaking about the “connection between events in Ukraine and BiH,” he said there is no significant connection.