The Members of the Collegium of the House of Representatives received the Ambassador of USA to BiH in the inaugural visit

 
The newly appointed Ambassador of the United States (US) to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ms. Maureen Elizabeth Cormack, met today in inaugural visit with members of the Collegium of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, the Speaker, Mr. Šefik Džaferović and his deputies, Ms. Borjana Krišto and Mr. Mladen Bosić.

Thanking for everything that the United States have done in the process of establishment of peace and post-war development of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and wishing the Ambassador Cormack successful work in our country, the Speaker, Mr. Džaferović, pointed out that it is in the interest of all peoples and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to remove obstacles that do not allow raising of the standard of living and the continuance of the journey towards the European Union and NATO membership. In this context, he pointed out to this great opportunity that should not be missed - the current initiative of the EU and expressed the optimism that it would soon be signed. In this way, he added, the Stabilisation and Association Agreement will enter into force and by the end of this year BiH could submit a credible application for EU candidate status if other conditions were fulfilled. The Speaker of the House of Representatives said that he expected a rapid establishment of the government of the Federation of BiH, which is in close connection with the completion of the process of appointment of the Prime Minister and members of the Council of Ministers.

The Deputy Speaker, Ms. Borjana Krišto, expressed the hope that the cooperation with the new Ambassador will contribute to finding a solution for complex Bosnian-Herzegovinian situation and establishment of stable and secure path towards Euro-Atlantic integration. She also mentioned the process of harmonization and signing of the Joint Statement of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the commitment of political leaders in BiH to undertake the necessary reforms in the framework of the EU accession process, where she compared this document with a number of previously signed but never implemented documents and expressed the hope that what was signed this time will be honoured.

In the coming period, it would be important that we all in Bosnia and Herzegovina have a lot less of stressful situations like the ones that have marked the previous period, said today the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Mladen Bosić, adding that he hopes for even better cooperation with the United States, primarily in the field of security and establishment of better prospects for citizens. He also stressed that BiH should have a government that can do something and be accountable for what is done or not done, and he believes that we will move from the stage of obstruction and conflicts into the phase of consultation. Mr. Bosić said today that the forthcoming days, through Joint Statement, will demonstrate the willingness to do the work or not to do work, as well as the mood for the change but also point to possible hidden agenda.

Ambassador Elizabeth Maureen Cormack today pointed out that the USA have a strong interest in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its progress and stressed that she expects concrete suggestions regarding ways in which the United States can be of assistance in all reforms. (End)