State Department Supports Bosnia and Herzegovina in Conducting Reforms

State Department (Flickr.com/ Photo by: U.S. Department of State (IIP Bureau)

The U.S. State Department has announced that is cooperating with the international community to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in conducting reforms, including reforms of the election process which will enable it to develop and secure its status as a candidate for EU membership.

"The Office of the High Representative (OHR) which was established 25 years ago under the Dayton peace treaty, is substantially contributing to peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We continue to support the OHR's important role in realizing the 5+2 program, with a renewed focus on fighting corruption as key to firmly establishing the rule of law," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in an Apr. 27 statement.

He also said that there was a danger of "unfounded speculation on the changing of borders in the Western Balkans along ethnic lines inciting instability in the region" as well "as recalling memories of tensions in the past."

"The stable, prosperous future of the Western Balkans must be based on good governance, the rule of law, multi-ethnic democracy and respect for human rights and basic freedoms," he said.