Blinken To Bosnian Presidency: Withdrawal from Central Institutions May Be Sanctioned

Antony Blinken (Al Drago/Pool via AP)

In a letter to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken reaffirmed that sanctions may be levied against those who unilaterally withdraw from any of Bosnia's joint, state-level institutions," the Sarajevo website istraga.ba published on Nov. 17.

"As a signing witness of the Dayton Peace Accords, the United States reiterates that moves to unilaterally withdraw from state-level institutions or otherwise destabilise the DPA will be met with appropriate action, including the consideration of sanctions," the letter reads.

Maintaining that any steps undermining central Bosnian institutions would endanger not only the country's European perspective but also its stability and the guarantees necessary for economic recovery and foreign investments, Blinken called on all sides to enter into a dialogue.

Blinken also recalled his previous letter to the Bosnian Presidency, which comprises Zeljko Komsic, Sefik Dzaferovic and Milorad Dodik. Penned in March of this year, the letter, Blinken says, was written "in the spirit of the deep partnership the U.S. and Bosnia-Herzegovina] share."

"Since then, a political crisis has developed in your country threatening regional stability. I would like to reinforce our continuing concern about your country's trajectory, as well as the unwavering U.S. commitment to support BiH's sovereignty and territorial integrity as one country with two entities and Brcko District," Blinken wrote and called on the presidency members to dedicate themselves to de-escalating the current political crisis.