VIDEO O'Brien in US Congress on BiH: No support for Dodik's activities nor dissolution of BiH

(Patria) - A hearing of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the lower house of the US Congress was held in the US Capitol building, where US Assistant Secretary of State James O'Brien answered questions from Republican Representative Ann Wagner about the situation in BiH.

She pointed out that the Dayton Peace Agreement is constantly under attack by the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik. She recalled that sanctions have been imposed on Dodik and his associates and supporters, but that his activities continue.

In his statement, O'Brien said he was glad to have been part of creating the Dayton Peace Agreement in terms of establishing peace. He added that there is no support for Dodik's activities regarding "the independence of RS, separation, or dissolution of BiH."

In his response, O'Brien also mentioned Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, whom he said opposes this, and that there is no support from Serbia either.

"Serbia means that its path to the EU implies respect for international borders, including those of BiH," he said.

He emphasized that sanctions are effective and that they work closely with partners from the European Union.

Wagner asked how the EU could join the United States, and O'Brien said that EU sanctions require consensus from all member states.

O'Brien dismissed speculation about US Ambassador Michael Murphy and stressed that he is doing a good job in BiH.

Also in Washington is member of the BiH Presidency Željko Komšić, who will have a series of meetings with State Department officials. During his address, O'Brien said he had already spoken with Komšić, and a photo of their meeting was released.

Met with Zeljko Komsic, Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The United States strongly supports BiH’s Euro-Atlantic future, and we discussed reforms to get BiH on track for EU accession and the importance of stability in BiH. pic.twitter.com/IEqqlbXvwK

— Assistant Secretary Jim O'Brien (@StateEUR) June 26, 2024